Abstract
A method is described to determine vapor pressures of compounds in multicomponent systems simultaneously. The method is based on temperature-gradient analysis by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOFMS). Vapor pressures are determined with the aid of known vapor pressure values of reference compounds eluting before and after the analytes. Reference compounds with the same functionalities as the analytes are preferred, but when these are not available, the alkane series can be utilized. The number of compounds whose vapor pressures can be determined is limited only by the peak capacity of the chromatographic system. Although the lowest subcooled vapor pressure determined was 0.006Pa, for tetrahydroaraucarolone in an atmospheric aerosol sample, vapor pressures as low as 10−6Pa can be measured with the described set-up. Even lower values can be measured with higher GC temperatures and longer analysis times. Since only a few picograms of compound is required, in a mixture of any complexity, the GCxGC-TOFMS method offers unique sensitivity, rapidity, and comprehensiveness.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.