title: Fabric softeners: nearly instantaneous characterization and quality control of cationic surfactants by easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry.
abstract: A tiny droplet of typical samples of fabric softeners from different commercial brands placed on a smooth paper surface was subjected to easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS). With no need for sample-preparation or pre-separation procedures, EASI-MS and EASI-MS/MS identify nearly instantaneously the main surfactants and the homologous series employed in their formulations. Adulterated and low quality samples containing no or less efficient softeners are also easily recognized.
authors.affiliation: ThoMSon Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, 13083-970, Brazil.
authors.forename: Sérgio A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Saraiva
authors.forename: Patrícia V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Abdelnur
authors.forename: Rodrigo R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Catharino
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nunes
authors.forename: Marcos N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Eberlin
mesh_terms: D055359:Antistatic Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D002412:Cations; D004123:Dimethylamines / Q000032:analysis; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D008956:Models, Chemical; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000737:chemistry / Q000592:standards; D011786:Quality Control; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000032:analysis; D055672:Static Electricity; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D055359:Antistatic Agents; D002412:Cations; D004123:Dimethylamines; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; C010153:fabric softeners