Gas chromatography–atomic emission detection for quantification of polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles

Abstract

Gas chromatography–microwave induced plasma atomic emission detection (GC–MIP–AED) was used for analysis for 34 tri-, tetra-, penta- and hexacyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles (PASHs). Responses on the AED sulfur trace were investigated with regard to concentration linearity and to dependence on type of compound. Retention indices were estimated using a retention index system for polycyclic aromatic compounds. Linear response to sulfur was found from 100 pg to 90–160 ng of analyte for all PASHs. Compound-independent calibration with a randomly selected PASH reference substance yielded deviations in response between 4% and 12%. Retention index values were found to depend on the gas chromatographic settings applied.