Instrumentation and method for ultrahigh resolution field desorption ionization fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry of nonpolar species.

We describe the construction and application of a 9.4-T FT-ICR mass spectrometer interfaced to a commercial field desorption ion source for high-resolution, high-mass accuracy measurements of nonpolar species. The FT-ICR MS instrument includes a liquid injection field desorption ionization source, octopole ion guides, external octopole ion trap capable of an axial potential gradient for ion ejection, capacitively coupled open cylindrical ion trap, and pulsed gas valve for ion cooling. Model compound responses with regard to various source and instrument conditions provide a basis for interpretation of broadband mass spectra of complex mixtures. As an example, we demonstrate broadband speciation of a Gulf Coast crude oil, with respect to numerous heteroatomic classes, compound types (rings plus double bonds), and carbon number distributions.