Method for isomer discrimination by tandem mass spectrometry

Systems and method for mass spectrometry are presented. In one embodiment, a method comprises: (a) acquiring one or more fragmentation signatures for a reference sample, wherein each fragmentation signature of the reference sample is acquired with a unique tandem mass spectrometry mode; (b) identifying one or more discriminate features across the plurality of fragmentation signatures of the reference sample; (c) acquiring one or more fragmentation signatures for an unknown sample, wherein each fragmentation signature of the unknown sample is acquired according to the discriminant features of step (b); (d) identifying one or more discriminate features across the plurality of fragmentation signatures of the unknown sample; (e) scoring the fragmentation signatures of step (c) by comparing the discriminate features of the reference sample, from step (b), against the discriminate features of the unknown sample, from step (d); and (f) identifying a structural isomer based on the score of step (e).