Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is an analytical technique used to separate and identify compounds in a sample. First, the sample is vaporized and carried through a column by an inert gas, allowing different substances to separate based on their properties. Once separated, they enter a mass spectrometer, which measures their mass and chemical structure. This combination enables scientists to detect and quantify complex mixtures, making GC-MS valuable in fields like environmental testing, forensic science, and pharmaceuticals, where precise identification of substances is essential.