Ion molecule reactor and setup for analyzing complex mixtures

Ion molecule reactor for generating analyte ions from analytes, the ion molecule reactor comprising:

• a) a reaction volume in which reagent ions can interact with the analytes in order to form analyte ions:
• b) at least one analyte inlet for introducing the analytes along an inlet path into the reaction volume:
• c) at least one reagent ion source and/or at least one reagent ion inlet for providing reagent ions into the reaction volume;
• d) at least one ion guide comprising an electrode arrangement which is configured for producing an alternating electrical, magnetic and/or electromagnetic field, that allows for guiding the reagent ions and/or the analyte ions at least along a section of the predefined transit path through the reaction volume:
• e) the ion molecule reactor further comprises a tubular element at least partially, preferably fully, surrounding the reaction volume and/or the transit path, the tubular element comprising at least one porous and/or gas permeable section in particular for introducing a fluid into the reaction volume and/or for removing neutrals and ions having left the predefined transit path out of the reaction volume and/or the ion molecule reactor.

Method for generating analyte ions with an ion molecule reactor comprising the steps of:

• a) Introducing analytes into a reaction volume of a chamber of the ion molecule reactor through an analyte inlet:
• b) Providing reagent ions and introducing the reagent ions into the reaction volume:
• c) Letting the reagent ions interact with the analytes in order to form analyte ions:
• d) Guiding the reagent ions and/or the analyte ions with an ion guide along a predefined transit path through the reaction volume;