A preconcentrator coupled to a GC/FTMS: advantages of self-chemical ionization, mass measurement accuracy, and high mass resolving power for GC applications.
Coupling of a cryogenic preconcentrator (PC) to a gas chromatograph/Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (GC/FT-ICR MS) is reported. To demonstrate the analytical capabilities of the PC/GC/FT-ICR MS, headspace samples containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from detached pine tree twigs were analyzed. Sub-ppm mass measurement accuracy (MMA) for highly resolved (m/Deltam(50%) > 150 k) terpene ions was achieved. Direct PC/GC/FT-ICR MS analyses revealed that detached twigs from pine trees emit acetone, camphor, and four detectable hydrocarbon isomers with C(10)H(16) empirical formula. The unknown analytes were identified based on accurate mass measurement and their mass spectral appearances. Authentic samples were used to confirm initially unknown identifications. Self-chemical-ionization (SCI) reactions furnished an additional dimension for rapid isomer differentiation of GC eluents in real time.
Department of Chemistry, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469, USA. solouki@maine.edu
Touradj
T
Solouki
Jan E
JE
Szulejko
Justin B
JB
Bennett
LeRae B
LB
Graham
D017357:Cyclotrons; D005410:Flame Ionization; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis; D008970:Molecular Weight; D028223:Pinus / Q000737:chemistry; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; D014835:Volatilization; D014934:Wood
D006838:Hydrocarbons