Open access atmospheric pressure chemical ionization Mass spectrometry for routine sample analysis.

We report the introduction and use of an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry instrument that has been designed specifically for use by the synthetic chemist on an open access, walk-in basis. This instrument has been configured with an easy-to-use sample log-in terminal that requires the user to provide only a sample identification number and a user name. Sample analysis takes approximately 4 min and provides the synthetic and medicinal chemist with rapid and reliable mass spectrometry analysis. Since installation of the system, it has analyzed an average of about 80 samples per day and has the capacity to run over 100 samples per day without the intervention of a specialist operator. This capability has eliminated the need for an operator to analyze routine samples and allows the mass spectroscopist more time to deal with problem solving.