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Review: Current applications and challenges for liquid chromatography coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry (LC/IRMS)
Author(s) -
Godin JeanPhilippe,
McCullagh James S. O.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
rapid communications in mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.528
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1097-0231
pISSN - 0951-4198
DOI - 10.1002/rcm.5167
Subject(s) - chemistry , isotope ratio mass spectrometry , mass spectrometry , chromatography , isotope analysis , isotope , analytical chemistry (journal) , liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry , gas chromatography , stable isotope ratio , geology , oceanography , physics , quantum mechanics
High‐precision isotope analysis is recognized as an essential research tool in many fields of study. Until recently, continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry (CF‐IRMS) was available via an elemental analyzer or a gas chromatography inlet system for compound‐specific analysis of light stable isotopes. In 2004, however, an interface that coupled liquid chromatography with IRMS (LC/IRMS) became commercially available for the first time. This brought the capability for new areas of application, in particular enabling compound‐specific δ 13 C analysis of non‐volatile, aqueous soluble, compounds from complex mixtures. The interface design brought with it several analytical constraints, however, in particular a lack of compatibility with certain types of chromatography as well as limited flow rates and mobile phase compositions. Routine LC/IRMS methods have, however, been established for measuring the δ 13 C isotopic ratios of underivatized individual compounds for application in archeology, nutrition and physiology, geochemistry, hydrology, soil science and food authenticity. Seven years after its introduction, we review the technical advances and constraints, methodological developments and new applications of liquid chromatography coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.