Liquid chromatography/Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (LC-FTICR MS): an early overview.

Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry has developed into one of the most powerful analytical techniques. This unique technique enables acquisition of high-resolution mass spectra with high accuracy, which in turn enables determination of the elemental composition of the analyzed compounds. Coupling with liquid chromatography affords a separation technique with a high-resolution "detector" which can be used to investigate very complex matrices. In this review some important instrumental developments are described and applications are presented; these show the advantages and disadvantages of this combination.