Definition
The cluster of signals about one nominal mass caused by naturally occurring heavier isotopes, principally carbon-13. A molecule with tens of carbons never produces a single clean line, and the pattern itself is supporting evidence.
About mass spectrometry
Terms a reader meets on mass-spectrometric reports from other laboratories, and on confirmatory work sent out. This laboratory has no in-house mass spectrometer, and its certificates carry no mass spectrum.
Electrospray ionisationMass-to-charge ratioCharge stateDeconvolutionObserved massTheoretical massMass accuracyIon suppressionIsobaricStereoisomerRetro-inverso peptide