Agilent 6550 iFunnel Q-TOF LC/MS System Data Sheet

Importance of the Topic

High-resolution accurate-mass LC/MS platforms are essential in modern analytical chemistry for applications ranging from proteomics and metabolomics to environmental and pharmaceutical analyses. The Agilent 6550 iFunnel Q-TOF system offers enhanced sensitivity, mass accuracy and throughput, enabling detection and quantitation of trace-level analytes with confidence.

Objectives and Overview

This summary presents the key performance specifications of the Agilent 6550 iFunnel Q-TOF LC/MS system. It highlights sensitivity in MS and MS/MS modes, resolving power, mass accuracy, dynamic range, acquisition speed and operational stability under typical laboratory conditions.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent 6550 iFunnel Q-TOF mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization at 400 µL/min flow
• iFunnel ion guide technology for optimized ion transmission
• Quadrupole mass filter operating up to m/z 4,000
• High-speed 4 GHz time-of-flight detector
• Internal mass reference for continuous calibration and sub-ppm accuracy

Main Results and Discussion

• Sensitivity: 1,000:1 S/N for 1 pg reserpine (M+H)+ at m/z 609.2807 in MS mode; up to 4,500:1 in MS/MS mode for product ions with 40,000 resolution.
• Resolving Power: >25,000 FWHM at m/z 322 and >42,000 FWHM at m/z 2,722 after auto-tune.
• Mass Accuracy: <1 ppm RMS in MS mode and <2 ppm RMS in MS/MS mode over 10 sequential injections; stable within 15–35 °C.
• Dynamic Range: Intra-scan range spanning up to five decades for co-eluting components.
• Mass Range: m/z 100–10,000 in extended mode; standard high-resolution range of m/z 50–1,700 (or 50–3,200); quadrupole up to m/z 4,000.
• Acquisition Speed: 50 full-scan spectra/s and 50 MS/MS spectra/s at 40,000 resolution in 4 GHz mode.
• Polarity Switching: Complete positive/negative cycle in 1.5 s for comprehensive analysis.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Agilent 6550 system’s combination of high sensitivity, fast scanning and exceptional mass accuracy supports demanding workflows in proteomics, metabolomics, small-molecule quantitation, impurity profiling and environmental screening. Its robust, auto-tuned performance reduces downtime and accelerates method development.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Anticipated advancements include faster digitizer electronics, integrated ion mobility separation, multiplexed data acquisition modes, AI-driven data analysis and miniaturized ambient ionization interfaces. These innovations will further broaden the scope of Q-TOF technology in real-time monitoring, high-content screening and clinical research.

Conclusion

The Agilent 6550 iFunnel Q-TOF LC/MS system establishes a new standard in high-resolution, accurate-mass analysis. Its superior sensitivity, speed and mass accuracy make it a versatile tool for academia, industry and clinical laboratories seeking reliable, high-throughput results.

Reference

Agilent Technologies, Agilent 6550 iFunnel Q-TOF LC/MS System Data Sheet (5991-1424EN, November 2012).