Next-generation high-resolution GC-MS for confident quantitation and unknown identification
The Q Exactive GC Orbitrap GC-MS/MS system is the first commercial benchtop system to combine gas chromatography with Orbitrap™ high-resolution accurate-mass (HRAM) detection. It offers unrivaled resolving power, sub-ppm mass accuracy, and the quantitation power of triple quadrupole systems — all in untargeted full-scan mode.
Designed for food safety, metabolomics, environmental, clinical, and pharmaceutical labs, this hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap system brings unmatched performance for both discovery and targeted workflows, with robust EI/CI ionization, smart deconvolution, and intuitive software.
Key Benefits
🎯 High-resolution power for confident detection
- Up to 100,000 resolution (FWHM) at m/z 272
- Sub-1 ppm mass accuracy (internal) in routine full-scan MS
- Accurate detection even in part-per-trillion range
- Resolves coeluting peaks in complex matrices with ease
💡 Unmatched qualitative and quantitative versatility
- EI, PCI, NCI ionization with ExtractaBrite™ source (removable under vacuum)
- Full-scan sensitivity equal to SRM mode of triple quadrupoles
- PRM and MS/MS with HCD collision cell
- Variable electron voltage (VeV) for softer EI and improved identification
🧠 Advanced tools for unknown identification
- Deconvolution software with HRAM fragment interpretation
- Compatibility with NIST/Wiley libraries and HRAM spectral libraries
- Supports TraceFinder™, Compound Discoverer™, and Mass Frontier™
System Capabilities
- Mass range: 30–3000 m/z
- Mass accuracy: <1 ppm RMS (internal), <3 ppm RMS (external)
- Quantitative dynamic range: >10⁶
- In-spectrum dynamic range: >5000:1
- Scan speed: up to 18 Hz @ 12,500 resolution
- Simultaneous detection of up to 10 precursors per scan
Operation & Workflow
- Full MS, SIM, Timed SIM, PRM, polarity switching, DDA
- Automatic gain control (AGC) ensures optimal ion population in Orbitrap
- Easy maintenance with vent-free source and column exchange
- Seamless Xcalibur™ and TraceFinder™ control with automated tuning/calibration
Sample Introduction & Automation
- Compatible with TRACE™ 1310 GC with Instant Connect injectors
- Autosamplers: TriPlus RSH for full automation and microsample workflows
- Direct probes (DEP/DIP) for solid/liquid samples — no venting required
Applications
- Food safety & authenticity (pesticides, packaging migration)
- Metabolomics, environmental & clinical toxicology
- Extractables & leachables, forensics, pharmaceuticals
- Untargeted and targeted multi-analyte screening
Thermo Scientific™ Q Exactive™ GC Orbitrap GC-MS/MS System
