Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has introduced three new ultrapure Fisher Chemical Optima LC/MS-grade reagents that modify the mobile phase to minimize background noise and enhance mass spectrometry (MS) detection. Designed for use with the existing ultrapure Optima LC/MS solvent range, the new reagents, comprising ammonium formate, ammonium acetate, and acetic acid, improve chromatographic peak shape and provide stable analyte signals in a MS detector.

The volatile salts, ammonium acetate and ammonium formate are used in LC/MS applications to improve ionization under neutral conditions in ESI-MS, while acetic acid enhances chromatography separation under acidic conditions. These Optima LC/MS reagents have minimal metal ion content, which limits mass adduct formation, facilitating MS interpretation. The reagents low impurity levels, confirmed by diode array detection (LC/UV), extend column life.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., www.thermofisher.com