Use of a Miniature Mass Spectrometer To Support Pharmaceutical Process Chemistry

Abstract

In this study we describe the evaluation of a recently developed miniaturized single-quadrupole mass spectrometer to support pharmaceutical process research investigations. Mass spectrometry is becoming an indispensable tool for analytical support of synthetic chemistry; however, current mass spectrometers are too expensive and too large for widespread deployment. In addition, current instruments often have features and capabilities that, while useful for trace component or bioanalysis applications, are beyond the comparatively simple requirements of synthetic chemists, where samples are often abundant and unit mass resolution is generally sufficient. An evaluation of the Microsaic 3500 MiD shows this small and inexpensive mass spectrometer to be well-suited for providing reliable support for certain pharmaceutical process research investigations.