Discrimination of structural isomers of chlorinated phenols in waters using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in the negative chemical ionization mode

Abstract

The analysis and identification of structural isomers of mono-, di- and trichlorophenols is reported. The fragmentation of the phenols was examined by GC–MS in both electron impact (EI) and negative chemical ionization (NCI) modes, using methane as reagent gas. The ability of NCI to discriminate these isomeric compounds from differences in relative intensities for selected peaks is demonstrated. 3- and 4-chlorophenols have similar retention times; however, they can still be discriminated because their negative mass spectra are rather different. In dichlorophenols, the presence of one chlorine atom in the ortho position decreases their retention time and the relative intensity of the fragment ion at m/ z 140. The NCI mass spectra for trichlorophenols are different from the rest, particularly for the m/ z value corresponding to the chlorine atom. Tetra- and pentachlorophenols were also studied and sequential losses of Cl observed. An automatic solid-phase extraction system can optionally be used to preconcentrate chlorophenols in waters prior to determination at legally established toxic levels.