Standard Definitions of Terms Relating to Mass Spectrometry

Analytical Chemistry Division

This document contains recommendations for nomenclature, definitions of terms, and acronyms in mass spectrometry. In 1974, the IUPAC Commission on Analytical Nomenclature issued recommendations on mass spectrometry terms and definitions. In 1978, the Commission on Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy updated and extended the recommendations and made further recommendations regarding symbols, acronyms and abbreviations. The Physical Chemistry Division Commission on Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy's Subcommittee on Mass Spectroscopy revised the recommended terms in 1991 and appended terms relating to vacuum technology. Some additional terms related to tandem mass spectrometry were added in 1993 and accelerator mass spectrometry in 1994. Due to the rapid expansion of the field, particularly in mass spectrometry of biomolecules, a further revision of the recommendations has become necessary.

Download full text of the Provisional Recommendations (pdf file - 668KB)

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