Research Center for Advanced Analytical Chemistry (RAACE)

Welcome to the Research center for Advanced Analytical ChEmistry (RAACE) situated at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. RAACE has three areas of focus: (1) analytical chemistry basic research, (2) applied analytical chemistry, and (3) analytical chemistry education at all levels. The center encompass a number of state-of-the-art chromatographs and mass spectrometers, supporting techniques (sample preparation), and a large number of PhD, MSc, BSc, and training courses.

The research in RAACE focus on research in state-of-the-art analytical methods, and developing protocols for analysis of complex mixtures of compounds (chemical fingerprinting). Analytical platforms include chromatography, mass spectrometry, ultra-high-pressure-liquid chromatography, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and comprehensive multi-dimensional gas and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection. We combine advanced analytical chemistry, signal processing, and statistical modelling into chemical fingerprinting and metabolomics.

Technological Platforms

Sample preparation and extraction

  • Automated solid phase extraction (SPE) (Gilson)
  • Pressurised Liquid Extraction (PLE) (Dionex, ASE-200)
  • Automated Evaporator
  • Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME)
  • Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE)
  • Static Headspace
  • Dynamic Headspace (DH)

Chromatography

  • GC-ECD (Agilent)
  • GC-FID (Agilent, 3 systems)
  • UHPLC-UV/F (Waters)
  • HPLC (4 systems)

Mass Spectrometry

  • Direct injection electrospray-high-resolution mass spectrometry
  • EI, NCI, PCI for ionization and quadrupole and ion-trap mass analysers coupled to GC
  • DART (Direct Analysis in Real Time) ionization

Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry

One-dimensional chromatographic systems

  • GC-MS HP 5975 (Agilent Technologies, single quadrupole) (EI+) equipped with Gerstel MPS (SPME,SBSE, DH, SPME, SH)
  • GC-MS 5975 (Agilent Technologies, single quadrupole) (EI, NCI, PCI)
  • GC-MS 5975 (Agilent Technologies, single quadrupole) (EI)
  • GC-MS/MS TRACE (Thermo Scientific, ion-trap) (EI, NCI, PCI) (AS, HS sampler)
  • UHPLC-high resolution-TOFMS (Waters)
  • UHPLC-QQQ (Waters)

Comprehensive two-dimensional chromatographic systems

  • GC×GC-qMS (Agilent Technologies) with Gerstel MPS autosampler system
  • LC×LC-DAD (Waters)