Electrospray Ionization Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry

Electrospray ionization ion mobility mass spectrometry (ESI-IMS—MS) is a rapidly progressing analytical technique for the examination of complex compounds in the gas phase. ESI-IMS—MS separates isomers, provides structural information, and quantitatively identifies peptides, lipids, carbohydrates, polymers, and metabolites in biological samples. ESI-IMS—MS has pharmaceutical, environmental, and manufacturing applications quickly characterizing drugs, petroleum products, and metal macromolecules. This review provides the history of ESI-IMS—MS development and applications to date.