What process involves the coupling of a liquid chromatograph (LC) with a mass spectrometer (MS)?

The process that involves the coupling of a liquid chromatograph (LC) with a mass spectrometer (MS) is known as Atmospheric Pressure Ionization. This technique allows for the efficient transfer of ions from the liquid phase to the gas phase, which is essential for mass spectrometric analysis.

In Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), Atmospheric Pressure Ionization methods, such as Electrospray Ionization (ESI) or Atmospheric Chemical Ionization (APCI), are commonly used. These methods enable the ionization of analytes in a liquid state, creating ions that can then be analyzed by the mass spectrometer.

This coupling is crucial as it improves sensitivity and allows for the direct analysis of complex mixtures without requiring extensive sample preparation. The ability to ionize analytes effectively at atmospheric pressure is a key advantage of this technique in analytical chemistry.