Thermo Fisher Scientific ultrapure Fisher Chemical Optima LC/MS grade reagents

Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced three ultrapure Fisher Chemical Optima Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) grade reagents that modify the mobile phase to minimise background noise and enhance MS detection.

Designed for use with the existing ultrapure Optima LC/MS solvent range, the reagents, comprising ammonium formate, ammonium acetate and acetic acid, improve chromatographic peak shape and provide stable analyte signals in an MS detector. Available in a variety of pack sizes, these highly pure additives are claimed to ensure accurate and reliable results in LC/MS applications.

The volatile salts, ammonium acetate and ammonium formate are used in LC/MS applications to improve ionisation under neutral conditions in ESI-MS, while acetic acid enhances chromatography separation under acidic conditions. The reagents have minimal metal ion content, which limits mass adduct formation, facilitating MS interpretation.

The low impurity levels, confirmed by diode array detection (LC/UV), extend column life. Purity is further enhanced by a surface treatment applied to the HDPE bottle for acetic acid, which acts as a barrier between the bottle and acid, preventing contamination by plasticisers. Acetic acid is also available in ready-to-use 1 mL glass ampules, ensuring a fresh additive for preparing aqueous and organic mobile phases in seconds, while safely eliminating the need to measure corrosive acids.

The range is manufactured in ISO 9001:2008 certified facilities, ensuring optimum quality, product uniformity and purity.