What is required to identify a compound effectively in mass spectrometry?

Identifying a compound in mass spectrometry relies heavily on the use of ion ratios alongside retention time for accurate results. This approach allows analysts to correlate the fragmentation patterns and abundance of ions produced during the process. Retention time helps establish the identity of a compound as it separates different components within a sample before they reach the mass spectrometer, while ion ratios illustrate the relationship between the primary ions and their fragments or isotopes.

Combining these two elements provides a robust method for confirming the presence of a specific compound. Ion ratios can reveal consistent patterns for a target compound across different analyses, establishing a clear fingerprint that facilitates identification. Retention time further enhances this by adding a layer of specificity since it reflects the interaction of the compound with the stationary phase in chromatography, which varies based on molecular characteristics.

Other options, while they play roles in the broader context of mass spectrometry, do not provide the same level of immediate compound identification as the combination of ion ratios with retention time.