Abstract: A modular pyrolysis inlet apparatus and method for pyrolyzing compounds preparatory to an analysis thereof by a mass spectrometer. The pyrolysis inlet includes a telescopic insertion probe having a ferromagnetic wire bearing the sample to be analyzed, and a reaction chamber mounted to the insertion probe so as to encompass the wire and sample. The insertion probe/reaction chamber assembly is inserted into the pyrolysis inlet apparatus and the voids surrounding the assembly are evacuated. The sample is cooled at a first position within the reaction chamber while a heating mantle preheats the reaction chamber at a second position therein. The telescopic insertion probe/reaction chamber assembly is then inserted further into the pyrolysis inlet, moving the sample to the second heated position within the reaction chamber. At the second position, a high frequency coil is activated to energize and heat the wire, and rapidly pyrolyze the sample thereon.