Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Modern analytical instrumental techniques are invaluable for the study and characterization of archaeological samples, due to their ability to provide fundamental information on the chemical composition starting with very small sample amounts. This entry presents the main features of instruments and analytical methods based on gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), from both the chromatographic and mass spectrometric points of view. Sample pre‐treatments required for the GC analysis of archaeological samples are briefly discussed, focusing on hydrolysis, derivatization reactions and pyrolysis as tools for improving the applicability of the technique. Finally, the practical use of these techniques is highlighted through data and results of a GC‐MS investigation on an organic residue collected from the interior walls of a Roman amphora.