Thermo Fisher adds that they are designed for use with the existing ultrapure Optima LC/MS solvent range and are made of ammonium formate, ammonium acetate and acetic acid. Volatile salts, ammonium acetate and ammonium formate are utilised in LC/MS applications to improve ionisation under neutral conditions in ESI-MS, while acetic acid enhances chromatography separation under acidic conditions. The Optima LC/MS reagents have minimal metal ion content, which limits mass adduct formation, facilitating MS interpretation. In addition, the low impurity levels extend column life. Purity is improved by using a new proprietary 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 1mL glass ampules.
Thermo Fisher says the reagents improve chromatographic peak shape and provide stable analyte signals in a MS detector. The ultrapure Optima LC/MS solvent range is manufactured in ISO 9001:2008 certified facilities.
