Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A unique practical guide to building, using, and maintaining a complete GC/MS system.

Though gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is one of the most effective and popular methods of separating, identifying, and quantifying compounds in complex mixtures, there have been no comprehensive handbooks to date that clearly explain the setup and maintenance of a functional GC/MS system. Now Marvin and Christopher McMaster have created the hands-on resource that researchers and students need to get their own systems up and running quickly. Covering everything from necessary components to tuning, troubleshooting, and processing data, it allows even those with little prior knowledge of GC/MS to perform their own analyses and gather the data they require. GC/MS: A Practical User's Guide contains:
* Full coverage of vital equipment, including the function, costs, and advantages of both desktop and floor-standing systems
* A walkthrough of a basic GC/MS analysis and an examination of key methods of structural data interpretation
* Extensive information on GC/MS system optimization
* An exploration of the various research and environmental uses of GC/MS systems
* An extended section on liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to enhance comprehension of the gas method.

For organic, analytical, clinical, environmental, and forensic chemists in all types of laboratories-and for students in all of these specialties -this book will be an invaluable companion for years to come.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• A Gc/Ms Primer
• Sample Preparation and Introduction
• The Gas Chromatograph
• The Mass Spectrometer
• Getting Started in gc/ms
• Gc/ms optimization
• Chromatographic Methods Development
• Mass Spectrometer Setup and Operation
• Data Processing and Network Interfacing
• System Maintenance and Troubleshooting
• Specific applications of mass spectrometry
• Gc/ms in the Environmental Laboratory
• An Introduction to Structural Interpretation
• Ion Trap Gc/Ms Systems
• Other Gc/Ms Systems
• An Introduction to Lc/Ms
• Appendices
• Index

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

The McMasters designed this book as a practical guide to the use and applications of the gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS). In this, they succeed well. Their book is divided into three parts, the first a primer of GC/MS. There are chapters that describe the instrument and compare it to other techniques, preparation of samples, separate chapters on the GC and the MS, and how to get started in GC/MS. Part 2 is an excellent discussion of methods development and optimization of instrumental conditions, with chapters on data processing, including network interfacing and troubleshooting. Part 3, "Specific Applications," discusses environmental applications and structural interpretation. The remainder of the section includes chapters on ion trap systems, other GC/MS systems, and LC/MS (liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry). Useful appendixes on troubleshooting and contamination; glossary; reading list. An ideal book for the beginning chemistry college student who wants to know the basics of GC/MS, and useful for researchers and graduate students for its discussion of methods development and troubleshooting. Undergraduates through professionals; two-year technical program students. J. A. Siegel; Michigan State University

Author notes provided by Syndetics

MARVIN McMASTER, PhD, is an adjunct professor of chemistry at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, a consultant with MCM Scientific in Florissant, Missouri, and a network systems technician with Washington University Medical School in St. Louis.

CHRISTOPHER McMASTER is a technical illustrator and independent graphic design consultant with CM Graphics in Florissant, Missouri.