How do I create an RT to RI calibration?

I am using v7 - this version requires a csv file

Hi jelljell,

From what I can find the RTC file is a CSV file. I believe this extension was created to help with file organization in later versions of MassHunter. So you should be able to change the extension and then use it in Qual.

Another alternative, at least in newer versions of the RT Calibration tool, is to specify the extension as .csv when creating the calibration file. 

Hi, can you shed some light over how to RTC creation was achieved? I have created custom library, using NIST as reference source to identify the RI-alkanes in my pure RI sample. Created a batch file - however here in Quant it wants me to 'analyse' the file before saving it. To analyse it wants me to 'calibrate' the file. I am stuck here, I don't do quantification stuff so not sure what I am doing here. I just want to create an RTC for Qual and Unknowns analysis. The videos weren't much help as they said, "usual analysis was performed using 0.1 calibration curve"...

I'll start with a summary of the required steps:

1: Acquire the reference standard alkane data using your normal method for MS, should be done using EI and at least cover 40-300 AMU.

2: Use MassHunter unknowns analysis to analyze the alkane data and only use NIST library to search. Manually set correct compound if needed.

To do this, create a "New Analysis" then use "Add Samples..." in the File menu. Then go to Method -> Edit Method -> Library Search and set a NIST or custom library only for "Libraries". For "Compound Identification" set max hit count to 1 if custom alkane only library or set to 2 or 3 for NIST library.

3: Create the reference library by exporting as an xml file. Alternatively, create a new library in Library Editor and copy and paste the spectra to create the library. Make sure to add the column for Retention Index.

Now it's time to switch to MassHunter Quant (MS)...

4: Open up a new batch and add the alkane run. Use "New Method from Acquired Scan Data with Library Search..." and set the alkane reference library you just created in Library Method. It is possible you may have to edit the deconvolution settings if all the peaks are not being marked (if you do need to do this, consider if your MS is functioning properly as the response should be clear). Once the identifications are correctly showing, save the batch. 

In the "Library Method" window under Library Search tab, you should see a button near bottom that says "New..." under the "RT calibration file:" line. You can select that which should open another subwindow guiding you through creation of calibration file.

Alternatively: After identifying the library, save and exit the library method window. Analyze batch, verify correct identifications, then save and close Quant. Then open an app named "Retention Time Calibration". It will be under Agilent Masshunter Quantitative -> Quantitative Analysis Tools. This presents essentially the same window as following above method so either works.

5: To fill out the retention time calibration info:

Batch: browse to the batch file

Library: name the library (use the alkane reference library you created)

Output: name the output path (it actually wants you to set the name for the calibration file, it'll add extension of "rtc" automatically).

Congratulations, you've created your calibration file!

6: In any methods you create for Qual or Quant and want to utilize calculation of retention indices you will "Choose..." the rtc file you just created. If you want to look at the file yourself, just change the extension to csv and/or open in excel (or similar spreadsheet program).

There was a document that I had found a while back from 2017, document# 5991-8221EN which did a good job of providing a detailed walkthrough.

Hopefully this will help you out!

Edit: Even though you aren't planning to do any quantitative work, to create the file you will still need to go through quant, library editor and RT calibration app are both linked to MH Quant.