<p>Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a fast gas-phase
separation technique that separates ions in part based upon their shape. Different
chemical classes form shape-related ‘trend lines’ in the 2D drift time-m/z chromatogram.
These trend lines can be utilized as a quick diagnostic for chemical classes,
and hence information that augments that from mass spectrometry. Herein we present
a new IMS-Orbitrap platform that couples the benefits of drift-tube IMS with a
high mass resolution Orbitrap MS. The new platform was utilized to analyze and
profile an array of petroleum products, and highlights the utility of the IMS -Orbitrap
platform for analysis of highly chemically complex substances.</p
