Brightspec, Inc.

Matt Muckle

Justin L Neill

Daniel W Armstrong

Roger Reynolds

Alexander V Mikhonin

Walter H Colsman

Molecular rotational resonance (MRR) spectroscopy is a structurally-specific, high-resolution spectroscopy technique that can provide accurate reaction process data with finer time resolution than existing techniques. It is the only analytical technique that can make online chiral composition measurements. This makes it especially useful for online reaction monitoring, which is done today by manually pulling off samples and measuring samples offline and takes 3-4 hours per measurement. Conversely, an MRR spectrometer can resolve isomers in about 10 minutes when fed with a low-volatility sampling interface that connects directly to the reaction line. The sampling interface measures a precise sample of the reaction solution, boils off the solvent to concentrate the analyte, volatilizes the analyte, and injects the volatilized analyte into the MRR spectrometer's measurement chamber for an MRR measurement. The sample concentration and volatilization happen quickly and without any extra sample preparation.

Methods and apparatus for low-volatility sampling

The capabilities of a gas or liquid chromatography-molecular rotational resonance (GC/LC-MRR) instrument exceed those of high-resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance in terms of selectivity, resolution, and compound identification. MRR detection provides high specificity for selective gas- or liquid-phase separations, including the ability to resolve co-eluting peaks and isomeric compounds without any loss of specificity or accuracy. MRR can perform both qualitative identification and absolute quantification of analyte components separated by GC or LC without a reference standard. GC-MRR is ideal for compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) and can identify enantiomers and enantiomeric excess. GC-MRR measurements are especially useful for studying biosynthetic/degradation and geochemical isotopic compounds.

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Earlysville, VA, United States of America

Matt Muckle