Time-resolved mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometry (MS) offers advantages over conventional spectroscopic assays because it enables structural determination of reactants while preserving temporal resolution. The ability to detect short-lived reaction intermediates or labile metabolites makes time-resolved MS (TRMS) measurements an enabling tool for studies of chemical reactions, chemical kinetics and biochemical dynamics. High temporal resolution requires careful optimization of the interface, which would enable quenching of the chemical process, ionization and rapid transfer of the analytes into the mass analyzer. We review recent advances in TRMS, and outline the prospects for future developments and applications. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.