Flash desorption of low-volatility compounds deposited on a heated solid substrate (90°C) by dripping liquid methanol.

Abstract

Desorption of low-volatility compounds deposited on a solid substrate by dripping a methanol drop was explored. Low-volatility compounds such as drugs and explosives were deposited/dried on the substrate at 35°C. After increasing the temperature to 90°C, 5 μL methanol was dripped onto the substrate. The desorbed analytes were ionized by alternating current corona discharge and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Flash desorption for drugs and explosives was observed accompanied by the rapid evaporation of methanol. However, saccharides, fullerene, cholesterol, and gramicidin S were not detected by the present method. It was suggested that surface-active compounds were desorbed at the peripheral front region of the spreading liquid methanol accompanied by rapid evaporation of methanol.