title: Single analyzer precursor scans using an ion trap.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Precursor ion and neutral loss scans are general survey methods of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) used for detecting structurally related compounds. Until now they have been performed in multiple analyzer instruments, e.g. triple quadrupoles and hybrid MS/MS instruments. Implementation of precursor ion scans in single mass analyzers would be advantageous in reducing instrument complexity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adoption of secular frequency scanning as a method of mass-selective excitation is shown to enable precursor scans in a single ion trap in a miniature mass spectrometer. A small supplementary alternating current (ac) signal is swept in frequency so as to cause mass-selective excitation of trapped ions. Simultaneously, a higher fixed amplitude ac signal is applied at the fixed secular frequency of a product ion, ejecting the mass-selected product ion and providing temporal data corresponding to a precursor ion spectrum.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Precursor scanning in a single ion trap is demonstrated using a mixture of three illicit drugs: cocaine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Acquisition of the spectra as a function of the frequency of the product ejection waveform demonstrates that the signals acquired represent precursor ion scans.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Secular frequency scanning is a nonconventional method of mass scanning that in combination with product ion ejection enables precursor scans in single ion traps. This phenomenon is demonstrated here for a miniature linear ion trap, but the concepts described also apply to quadrupole mass filters. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Center for Analytical Instrumentation Development, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
authors.forename: Dalton T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Snyder
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Center for Analytical Instrumentation Development, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Pulliam
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Center for Analytical Instrumentation Development, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
authors.forename: R Graham
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Cooks