A positive ion of an isomer is generated in an ion source and introduced into a target chamber filled with a target alkali metal so that it is dissociated into a neutral fragment which is then subjected to charge inversion to generate a negative ion. By measuring the mass spectrum of the negative ion, the isomer can be detected at a higher resolution than has been possible by CID and other conventional mass spectroscopic techniques.
Processes and apparatus are described for the analysis of molecules or fragments thereof, which are capable of carrying multiple charges, by reacting the multiply charged molecules or fragments thereof with other ions using mass spectrometry.
