Scientific Glossary

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Mass spectrometry separates ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z), producing a characteristic "fingerprint" spectrum for each compound. For peptides, LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled with tandem MS) can confirm exact molecular weight, amino acid sequence, and detect impurities or modifications. A COA with MS data alongside HPLC provides the highest confidence in compound identity. MS can detect substitutions or truncations that HPLC alone might miss — critical for research compound authentication.