Liquid chromatography/Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (LC-FTICR MS): an early overview

Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry has developed into one of the most powerful analytical techniques. This unique technique enables acquisition of high-resolution mass spectra with high accuracy, which in turn enables determination of the elemental composition of the analyzed compounds. Coupling with liquid chromatography affords a separation technique with a high-resolution detector which can be used to investigate very complex matrices. In this review some important instrumental developments are described and applications are presented; these show the advantages and disadvantages of this combination.Abbreviations CAD Collision-activated dissociation - CZE Capillary zone electrophoresis - ECD Electron-capture dissociation - FT Fourier-transform - MS Mass spectrometry - ICR Ion cyclotron resonance - IRMPD Infrared multi-photon dissociation - LC Liquid chromatography - LSIMS Liquid secondary-ion mass spectrometry - SORI Sustained off-resonance irradiationThis contribution is dedicated to Professor Dr M.T. Reetz on the occasion of his 60th birthday.