Mass spectra can be quite complex and difficult to interpret. To help in compound identification, after a spectrum of a compound is obtained on a computer interfaced to a GC MS instrument, the chemist can often search a large database of mass spectral data for matches. Using this technique, even beginning students can determine the identity of a compound in a few minutes.
Another web site that provides an introduction to mass spectrometry is provided by the American Association for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS):
Acknowledgements
Thanks to Professor Veronica Bierbaum for reading and editing the chapter and to the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, for the mass spectra (http://www.aist.go.jp/RIODB/SDBS/menu-e.html).