An automated, open‐access service to synthetic chemists: Thermospray mass spectrometry

Abstract

Abstract Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) are the major spectroscopic tools used by synthetic organic chemists to monitor the steps of their syntheses. Rapid confirmation of the structure at each synthetic step is vital for efficient progress to the desired product. In many laboratories automated open‐access NMR is routine. This often leaves mass spectrometry as a rate‐limiting step in structure confirmation. The key information the chemist needs from a mass spectrum is the relative molecular mass (RMM). We have therefore developed an automated, open‐access thermospray mass spectrometry service, in which a chemist logs a sample into a queue on the mass spectrometer, and a short time later takes the mass spectrum away. The whole process occurs without any intervention by a mass spectrometrist. This has made mass spectra available as rapidly as NMR spectra, so that chemists can obtain the data they need to confirm synthetic structures within less than two hours.