Gas Chromatographic Behaviour Research Articles

Evaluation of alternative gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric behaviour of trimethylsilyl-derivatives of non-hydrolysed sulfated anabolic steroids.

Sulfated metabolites have shown to have potential as long-term markers (LTMs) of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse. The compatibility of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with trimethylsilyl (TMS)-derivatives of non-hydrolysed sulfated steroids has been demonstrated, where, after derivatisation, generally, two closely eluting isomers are formed that both have the same molecular ion [M-H2 SO4 ]•+ . Sulfated reference standards are in limited commercial availability, and therefore, the current knowledge of the GC-MS behaviour of these compounds is mainly based on sulfating and analysing the available standard reference material. This procedure can unfortunately not cover all of the current known LTMs as these are often not available as pure substance. Therefore, in theory, some metabolites could be missed as they exhibit alternative behaviour. To investigate the matter, in-house sulfated reference materials that bear resemblance to known sulfated LTMs were analysed on GC-MS in their TMS-derivatised non-hydrolysed state. The (alternative) gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric behaviour was mapped, evaluated and linked to the corresponding steroid structures. Afterwards, using fraction collection, known sulfated LTMs were isolated from excretion urine to confirm the observed findings. The categories that were selected were mono-hydroxy-diones, 17-methyl-3,17-diols and 17-keto-3,16-diols as these are commonly encountered AAS conformations. The ability to predict the GC-MS behaviour of non-hydrolysed sulfated AAS metabolites is the corner stone of finding new metabolites. This knowledge is also essential, for example, for understanding AAS detection analyses, for the mass spectrometric characterization of metabolites of new designer steroids or when one needs to characterize an unknown steroid structure.

A synthetic library of allylmethoxyphenyl esters: spectral characterization and gas chromatographic behavior

AbstractA recent identification of eugenyl (allylmethoxyphenyl) esters as Anthemis segetalis Ten. (Asteraceae) essential oil constituents, accomplished by means of organic synthesis, motivated us to expand the existing synthetic library with an aim to examine the generality of structure‐chromatographic property relationships within this series of volatiles. Herein, the design, synthesis, gas–chromatographic and spectral characterization of members of a library of 85 allylmethoxyphenyl esters (64 are completely new) were described. Analysis of experimentally obtained RI data showed that esters of the same acid and different allylmethoxyphenols always elute in the same order from an apolar gas chromatography (DB‐5MS) column: 2‐allyl‐6‐methoxyphenyl < 2‐allyl‐3‐methoxyphenyl < 2‐allyl‐5‐methoxyphenyl < 2‐allyl‐4‐methoxyphenyl < 4‐allyl‐2‐methoxyphenyl esters. Based on the obtained RI values, several quantitative structure–property relationship models were built up that correlated several easily available parameters (e.g. Wiener [WI], Balaban [BI], and molecular topological [MTI] indices) of the mentioned esters and their RI data. The generated various quantitative structure–property relationships models (equations that predict RIs of esters of different regioisomers of allylmethoxyphenols with the same acids and the ones that predict RIs of esters of different acids with the same allylmethoxyphenols) were tested on data of previously known related esters. RI data of esters of allylmethoxyphenol regioisomers could be successfully predicted based on 1D topological indices, such as the Balaban, Wiener, and molecular topological indices. Together with RI and MS data accumulated in this work, these models represent a new and simple tool for the identification of allylmethoxyphenyl esters that might potentially represent new or rare natural products.

Retention Behaviour of Alkylated and Non-Alkylated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Different Types of Stationary Phases in Gas Chromatography

The gas chromatographic retention behaviour of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkylated PAHs on a new ionic liquid stationary phase, 1,12-di(tripropylphosphonium) dodecane bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (SLB®-ILPAH) intended for the separation of PAH mixtures, was compared with the elution pattern on more traditional stationary phases: a non-polar phenyl arylene (DB-5ms) and a semi-polar 50% phenyl dimethyl siloxane (SLB PAHms) column. All columns were tested by injections of working solutions containing 20 parental PAHs from molecular weight of 128 to 278 g/mol and 48 alkylated PAHs from molecular weight of 142 to 280 g/mol on a one dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system. The SLB PAHms column allowed separation of most isomers. The SLB®-ILPAH column showed a rather different retention pattern compared to the other two columns and, therefore, provided a potential for use in comprehensive two-dimensional GC (GC×GC). The ionic liquid column and the 50% phenyl column showed good thermal stability with a low bleed profile, even lower than that of the phenyl arylene “low bleed” column.

Synthesis of 26-methyl cholestane and identification of cryostanes in mid-Neoproterozoic sediments

The biomarker distributions of mid-Neoproterozoic sediments (800–717 million yr, Ma) from various locations are characterized by the occurrence, besides cholestane isomers, of a novel series of C28 steranes, whereas classical C-24 alkylated steranes are absent. These unusual C28 steranes, termed cryostanes, seem to be restricted to pre-Snowball Earth sediments. We report their conclusive identification as 26-methyl cholestanes based on comparison of gas chromatographic (GC) behavior and mass spectrum of the last eluting cryostane isomer with those of a 26-methyl 5α(H),14α(H),17α(H),20R-cholestane standard obtained by way of synthesis. Sterols methylated at C-26 seem to be restricted to some demosponges and, based on molecular clock estimates, demosponges may have emerged in the time interval 800–700 Ma. A sponge origin of cryostanes is thereby conceivable, making cryostanes the oldest molecular markers for animals. However, other biological sources need to be explored, including the wide variety of eukaryotic protists.

Gas chromatographic retention behavior of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkyl-substituted PAHs on two stationary phases of different selectivity.

Retention indices (I) for 45 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 63 methyl-substituted PAHs were determined by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using two different stationary phases: a Rxi-PAH phase (a "higher phenyl-content stationary phase") and a 50% (mole fraction) liquid crystalline dimethylpolysiloxane phase. Retention data were obtained for parent PAHs from molecular mass (MM) 128g/mol (naphthalene) to 328g/mol (benzo[c]picene) and for 12 sets of methyl-PAHs (methylfluorenes, methylanthracenes, methylphenanthrenes, methylfluoranthenes, methylpyrenes, methylbenz[a]anthracenes, methylbenzo[c]phenanthrenes, methylchrysenes, methyltriphenylenes, methylbenzo[a]pyrenes, methylperylenes, and methylpicenes). Molecular shape descriptors such as length-to-breath ratio (L/B) and thickness (T) were determined for all the PAHs studied. Correlation between I and L/B ratio was evaluated for both stationary phases with a better correlation observed for the 50% liquid crystalline phase (correlation coefficients ranging from 0.22 to 1.00). Graphical Abstract GC separation of six methylchrysene isomers (m/z 242) on two different stationary phases: 50 % phenyl-like methylpolysiloxane phase and 50 % liquid crystalline phase. Retention indices (I) are plotted as a function of L/B for both phases. The data marker numbers identify each isomer based on methyl-substitution position.

Chemical Synthesis and Gas Chromatographic Behaviour of γ‐Stearidonic (18:4n‐6) Acid

Abstractγ‐Stearidonic acid, 18:4n‐6, a potential product of β‐oxidation of arachidonic acid (20:4n‐6), was only recently positively identified in a living organism—a thermophilic cyanobacterium Tolypothrix sp., albeit at low levels, whilst some indirect evidence suggests its wider presence, e.g. in a unicellular marine alga. We have prepared 18:4n‐6 using an iodolactonisation chain‐shortening approach from 22:5n‐6 and obtained its 1H‐, 13C‐, COSY‐ and HSQC NMR spectra, with 18:5n‐3 spectra also recorded for a comparison. The GC and GC‐MS behaviour of its methyl ester was also studied. Like another Δ3 polyunsaturated acid, octadecapentaenoic (18:5n‐3), 18:4n‐6 rapidly yields 2‐trans isomer upon formation of dimethyloxazoline derivative. On a polar ionic liquid phase (SLB‐IL100, 200 °C) the methyl ester could be mistaken for 18:3n‐3, while on methylsilicone phase (BP1, 210 °C) it eluted ahead of 18:3n‐6 and 18:4n‐3, suggesting that when present it may be easily misidentified during GC analysis of fatty acids.

Characterization and analysis of structural isomers of dimethyl methoxypyrazines in cork stoppers and ladybugs (Harmonia axyridis and Coccinella septempunctata).

The three constitutional isomers of dimethyl-substituted methoxypyrazines: 3,5-dimethyl-2-methoxypyrazine 1; 2,5-dimethyl-3-methoxypyrazine 2; and 2,3-dimethyl-5-methoxypyrazine 3 are potent flavor compounds with similar mass spectrometric, gas chromatographic, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic behavior. Therefore, unambiguous analytical determination is critical, particularly in complex matrices. The unequivocal identification of 1-3 could be achieved by homo- and heteronuclear NMR correlation experiments. The observed mass fragmentation for 1-3 is proposed and discussed, benefitting from synthesized partially deuterated 1 and 2. On common polar and apolar stationary phases used in gas chromatography (GC) 1 and 2 show similar behavior whereas 3 can be separated. In our focus on off-flavor analysis with respect to wine aroma, 1 has been described as a "moldy" off-flavor compound in cork and 2 as a constituent in Harmonia axyridis contributing to the so-called "ladybug taint," whereas 3 has not yet been described as a constituent of wine aroma. A successful separation of 1 and 2 could be achieved on octakis-(2,3-di-O-pentyl-6-O-methyl)-γ-cyclodextrin as stationary phase in GC. Applying heart-cut multidimensional GC analysis with tandem mass spectrometric detection we could confirm the presence of 1 as a "moldy" off-flavor compound in cork. However, in the case of Harmonia axyridis, a previous identification of 2 has to be reconsidered. In our experiments we identified the constitutional isomer 1, which was also found in Coccinella septempunctata, another species discussed with respect to the "ladybug taint." The analysis of such structurally related compounds is a demonstrative example for the importance of a chromatographic separation, as mass spectrometric data by itself could not guarantee the unequivocal identification.

On-line gas chromatographic studies of Nb, Ta, and Db bromides

Abstract The isothermal gas chromatographic behaviour of the group 5 elements Nb, Ta and Db was investigated in a brominating atmosphere using the OLGA technique. It was found that Db forms a very volatile compound, most likely the pentabromide, being more volatile than similar compounds formed under identical conditions with Nb and Ta, respectively. This observation is in disagreement with previous experimental investigations of the same compound but in agreement with theoretical prediction.

ChemInform Abstract: Trialkyl Borate Assisted Amination of Fluorinated 1,3‐Diketones for Synthesis of N,N′‐1,2‐Phenylen‐bis(β‐aminoenones) and Their Ni(II), Cu(II) and Pd(II) Complexes.

Abstract An effecient synthetic method for fluorinated tridentate β-aminoenones and tetradentate bis(β-aminoenones) via amination of fluorinated 1,3-diketones with o-phenylenediamine in the presence of trialkyl borates was developed. Ni(II), Cu(II) and Pd(II) complexes with tetradentate bis(β-aminoenones) were obtained. Their gaschromatographic behaviour and main fragmentation paths in the electron ionization mass spectra were described.

Aromatic isoprenoids from the 25–65 Ma saline lacustrine formations in the western Qaidam Basin, NW China

Abundant aryl isoprenoids have been detected in source rock extracts from the 25–65Ma saline lacustrine formations in the western Qaidam Basin, NW China. Identification was based mainly on comparison of mass spectra and gas chromatographic behaviour with literature data. Two pseudohomologous series in the range C13–C40 were assigned as 2,3,6- and 2,3,4-trimethyl monoaryl isoprenoids. The C40 2,3,4-trimethylaryl isoprenoid, okenane, was the most abundant component of the series, while its C40 2,3,6-trimethylaryl isomer, chlorobactane, was present in low abundance. Two C40 monoaromatic isoprenoids with a cyclohexyl ring were tentatively assigned as β-isorenieratane and β-renierapurpurane. One C40 diaryl isoprenoid was identified as isorenieratane. Identification of okenane, chlorobactane and isorenieratane was confirmed by co-elution experiments using synthetic standards. In addition, two novel series of aryl isoprenoids in the C12–C39 range were tentatively assigned as 2,6- and 2,3-dimethylaryl isoprenoids. The C39 2,3-dimethylaryl isoprenoid homologue was the most abundant component of the series, while the C39 2,6-dimethylaryl isomer was only present in low abundance. Two C39 monoaromatic bicyclic compounds were tentatively assigned as 2,6- and 2,3-dimethylaryl isoprenoids with a terminal cyclohexyl ring. Furthermore, a minor C38 component was tentatively assigned as a diaryl isoprenoid with a 2,3-/2,3-dimethyl substitution pattern. These dimethylaryl isoprenoids seem to be formed by demethylation of their parent trimethylaryl isoprenoid counterparts, the location of the demethylated position being exclusively at C-3, C-4 or C-6 of the aromatic ring. This specificity points to a biologically-mediated process (as opposed to an abiotic, maturity-related transformation) that needs to be further investigated.

Determination of dimethyl fumarate (DMFu) in silica gel pouches using gas chromatography coupled ion trap mass spectrometry

A simple method for the determination of dimethyl fumarate (DMFu) in silica gel pouches has been developed. The gas chromatographic behaviour of DMFu was investigated; the instrumental method, based on EI mass spectrometry coupled with an Ion Trap Detector operating whether in full scan mode or in MS/MS mode was also investigated. Several factors have been evaluated and optimized during the development process: solvent and temperature of extraction, type of stationary phase in capillary column. The analytical procedure consists of two steps as follows: (a) the sample preparation using 10 g of sample extracted with acetonitrile in an ultrasonic, heated bath and (b) the determination by gas chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometry in conjunction with chromatographic separation is a very powerful combination for identification of an analyte in the extract in spite of selective detectors employed with GC, such as ECD, FPD and NPD, that offer only limited specificity. Blank samples show no interfering peaks in the areas of interest, so the specificity of the method was assured under the investigated GC/MS conditions. The method has been validated in terms of recovery, repeatability, linearity, detection limits and measurement uncertainty. The results obtained meet both the method validation criteria and requirements of the European/National legislation. The method was verified to be accurate with 97 % mean recoveries at 0.05 mg/kg and 1.00 mg/kg levels; the repeatability (expressed as RSD %) was found to be better than 15 %. Good linearity was found in the range between 0.05 μg/mL and 5.0 μg/mL and a value of R2> 0.9998 was calculated. The procedure ensures high specificity and a good sensitivity with detection limit (ld) of 0.02 mg/kg and quantification limit (LOQ) of 0.05 mg/kg. This procedure has been successfully applied for the analysis of several hundred of real samples collected during a monitoring control plan started last year in our country. All samples exceeding the maximum allowed level of DMFu (0, 1 mg/kg) were confirmed by GC/MS/MS (ITD) for a higher degree of confidence in identification. The main advantages of this method include: rapidity, simplicity (few, simple steps), reliability, cheapness, no need for long and difficult clean-up and evaporation steps, high specificity by using GC/MS and GC/MS/MS, availability for routine monitoring.

Trialkyl borate assisted amination of fluorinated 1,3-diketones for synthesis of N, N′-1,2-phenylen- bis(β-aminoenones) and their Ni(II), Cu(II) and Pd(II) complexes

An effecient synthetic method for fluorinated tridentate β-aminoenones and tetradentate bis(β-aminoenones) via amination of fluorinated 1,3-diketones with o-phenylenediamine in the presence of trialkyl borates was developed. Ni(II), Cu(II) and Pd(II) complexes with tetradentate bis(β-aminoenones) were obtained. Their gaschromatographic behaviour and main fragmentation paths in the electron ionization mass spectra were described.

Study of the gas chromatographic behavior of selected alcohols and amines

The gas chromatographic behavior of selected linear and non-linear alcohols and amines was investigated using four capillary columns containing phenyl substitution levels of 0%, 5%, and 50% and 50% cyanopropyl substitution. In a previous study, the positions of specific compounds inside the capillary column were iteratively modeled using only two thermodynamic parameters (ΔH and ΔS). The present study addresses the validation of the two-parameter model for retention time prediction for selected alcohols and amines using thermodynamic data obtained from as few as two data points. The difference between predicted and observed retention times under different temperature conditions was generally less than 1% of the experimental value and the predicted order of elution was correct in the used model.

Characterization and optimization by experimental design of a liquid chromatographic method for the separation of hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls on a polar-embedded stationary phase

Traditionally, the determination of hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (OH-PCBs) has been carried out by gas chromatography (GC). However, the gas chromatographic behavior and sensitivity of this type of hydroxylated compounds are not always satisfactory, hence a prior derivatization of the OH-PCBs must be performed. Therefore, the development of liquid chromatographic methods should prove to be a very interesting task aimed at dealing with the instrumental determination of OH-PCBs. Taking into account that octadecylsilane stationary phases are not the most adequate for the separation of isobaric compounds, an amide-type column has been tested. For the development of the method, the Response Surface Methodology was used, based on a Box–Wilson Central Composite experimental design. The initial content of methanol in the mobile phase, the gradient time, and the concentration and the pH value of the buffer were chosen as relevant experimental parameters. A global optimum was obtained by selecting the elution time, the sensitivity and the overall resolution as responses to optimize. The developed method for liquid chromatography presented a very good resolution and sensitivity, and a reasonably short analysis time. In addition, a retention study was conducted in order to survey the different interactions that take place in the separation process, showing that hydrogen bonding is the main interaction between OH-PCBs and the amide-type stationary phase. However, a substantial contribution of dispersion forces was present in methanol contents in the mobile phase below 65%. Besides, the pH value of the mobile phase was found to be the most important parameter to control the hydrogen bond forces and therefore, to regulate the OH-PCBs separation.

Gas chromatographic behavior of fatty acid derivatives for mass spectrometry on low‐polarity capillary columns

AbstractThe gas chromatographic properties of four derivatives of fatty acids (FA), namely fatty acid methyl esters, picolinyl esters, N‐acyl pyrrolidides and 4,4‐dimethyloxazoline derivatives, which contain various structural features (double bonds, branching, hydroxyl group) in their acyl chains have been compared on a low‐polarity capillary column with a mass spectrometer as detector. Temperature programming rates yielding the highest resolution were optimized for each derivative by means of computer‐assisted column temperature optimization software. Indeed, the Drylab software represents a valuable assistance for estimating the optimum analysis conditions. Time and efforts required for such method development can greatly be reduced. Different parameters (derivatization procedure, total run time, resolution and response factor) are discussed. N‐Acyl pyrrolidides and picolinyl esters appear quite powerful for structure elucidation of polyunsaturated FA by GC‐MS, and both these types of FA derivatives can be very well separated on a low‐polarity phase.

Piperideine Alkaloids from the Poison Gland of the Red Imported Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The major chemical components in the venom of red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren, are 2-methyl-6-alkyl or alkenyl piperidines. After isolating the extracts of poison glands and whole worker bodies with column chromatography, we obtained fractions containing a mixture of six piperideine alkaloids. Reduction of those samples using NaBH(4) in ethanol generated piperidine alkaloids found in the fire ant poison gland, resulting in both the cis- and the trans-piperidine alkaloids. The mass spectra and gas chromatographic behavior of most piperidine alkaloids from fire ant venom have been well-characterized, which significantly facilitated the identification of these piperdeine compounds. On the basis of the mass spectra and profiles of NaBH(4) reduction products, we identified these alkaloids as 2-methyl-6-tridecenyl-6-piperideine, 2-methyl-6-tridecyl-6-piperideine, 2-methyl-6-pentadecenyl-6-piperideine, 2-methyl-6-pentadecyl-6-piperideine, 2-methyl-6-heptadecenyl-6-piperideine, and 2-methyl-6-heptadecyl-6-piperideine. To our knowledge, this is the first time that these piperideine alkaloids have been reported in red imported fire ant poison glands.

Comments concerning “characterizations for vinylimidazolium based ionic liquid polymer stationary phases for capillary gas chromatography”

The Abraham linear free energy relationship model with ion-specific equation coefficients is found to provide a reasonable mathematical description of the chromatographic retention factor reported in the recent paper by Hsieh and co-workers [1] for solutes eluted on four polymerized ionic liquid (PIL) stationary phase columns. In a recent paper appearing in this journal Hsieh et al. [1] used the Abraham linear free energy relationship to describe the gas chromatographic retention behavior of organic solutes on six polyvinylimidazolium based ionic liquid polymer stationary phases. The authors reported Abraham model LFER correlations

3‐methyl‐1,2,3‐butanetricarboxylic acid: An atmospheric tracer for terpene secondary organic aerosol

Highly oxygenated compounds assigned to be oxidation products of α‐pinene have recently been observed in substantial concentrations in ambient aerosols. Here, we confirm the unknown α‐pinene tracer compound with molecular weight (MW) 204 as the C8‐tricarboxylic acid 3‐methyl‐1,2,3‐butanetricarboxylic acid. Its gas and liquid chromatographic behaviors and its mass spectral characteristics in electron ionization and negative ion electrospray ionization perfectly agree with those of a synthesized reference compound. The formation of this compound is explained by further reaction of cis‐pinonic acid involving participation of the OH radical. This study illustrates that complex, multi‐generation chemistry holds for the photooxidation of α‐pinene in the presence of NOx.

Gas chromatographic behavior of the diagnostic components of some essential oils

Gas chromatographic behavior of the diagnostic components of some essential oils

An experimentally supported, mathematical explanation of the gas chromatographic elution behaviour of the long-chain carbon members of the homologous series

By substituting the saturated vapour phase tension of the pure normal hydrocarbons described by the Clausius-Clapeyron law into the accepted expression of the specific retention volume ( V g,T ), a theoretically coherent and relatively simple mathematical evidence of the elution behaviour of the homologous members has been deduced. It gives exponential retention time dependence on carbon number for isothermal, and nearly equidistant (i.e., approximately linear retention-time dependence on carbon number) elution for linear temperature programmed gas chromatographic runs. The final equations are in close correlation with the experimental results. Special emphasis is placed on the fact that a good approximation—not strict physical laws—have been found.