The implementation and application of precursor‐ion scanning using a four‐sector instrument

Precursor‐ion scanning, in which all ions that fragment to form a selected product ion are detected, has been implemented on a four‐sector instrument. The various experimental parameters associated with the experiment i.c., prcursor mass range, product and precursor ion resolution, collision energy and mass‐measurement accuracy have been established via a series of experiments, Brief examples of the use of the technique in the characterization of synthetic polymers, quaternary salts and peptieds are described together with the analysis of a mixture of phthalate esters.