Describe the differences between the types of mass spectrometry used in organic analysis.

The types of mass spectrometry used in organic analysis differ in their ionisation methods and applications.

Electrospray ionisation (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) are two common ionisation methods used in mass spectrometry. ESI is used for large, polar molecules and produces multiply charged ions, while MALDI is used for large, non-polar molecules and produces singly charged ions.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) are two applications of mass spectrometry used in organic analysis. GC-MS is used for volatile and semi-volatile compounds, while LC-MS is used for non-volatile compounds.

GC-MS involves separating a mixture of compounds using gas chromatography and then ionising the separated compounds using electron ionisation. The resulting ions are then analysed using mass spectrometry. LC-MS involves separating a mixture of compounds using liquid chromatography and then ionising the separated compounds using ESI or MALDI. The resulting ions are then analysed using mass spectrometry.

Overall, the choice of mass spectrometry method depends on the type of molecule being analysed and the desired application.