Xylene Isomer Mass Spectral Identification through Metal Ion Chemistry in an FTICR.

The ortho, meta, and para isomers of xylene are identified in a Fourier transform mass spectrometer by reactions with V(+) and VO(+). Each isomer reacts in a unique way with a mixture of the two ions, which enables isomer discrimination. The method is fast and does not require the use of internal standards.