Splitless Injection Research Articles

A Technique for Thermal Desorption Analyses Suitable for Thermally-Labile, Volatile Compounds.

Many plant and insect interactions are governed by odors released by the plants or insects and there exists a continual need for new or improved methods to collect and identify these odors. Our group has for some time studied below-ground, plant-produced volatile signals affecting nematode and insect behavior. The research requires repeated sampling of volatiles of intact plant/soil systems in the laboratory as well as the field with the help of probes to minimize unwanted effects on the systems we are studying. After evaluating solid adsorbent filters with solvent extraction or solid phase micro extraction fiber sample collection, we found dynamic sampling of small air volumes on Tenax TA filters followed by thermal desorption sample introduction to be the most suitable analytical technique for our applications. Here we present the development and evaluation of a low-cost and relatively simple thermal desorption technique where a cold trap cooled with liquid carbon dioxide is added as an integral part of a splitless injector. Temperature gradient-based focusing and low thermal mass minimizes aerosol formation and eliminates the need for flash heating, resulting in low sample degradation comparable to solvent-based on-column injections. Additionally, since the presence of the cold trap does not affect normal splitless injections, on-the-fly switching between splitless and thermal desorption modes can be used for external standard quantification.

Ionic liquid capillary columns for analysis of multi-component volatiles by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry: performance, selectivity, activity and retention indices.

This study investigates applications and performance evaluation of SLB-IL60, SLB-IL76 and SLB-IL111 columns, in relation to a DB-Wax column, for the analysis of coffee volatile compounds. Both standards and an authentic coffee sample were analysed, with solid-phase microextraction (SPME) sampling of the latter. A cryofocusing method was applied to improve resolution of the earliest eluting peaks using splitless injection SPME sample analysis. The Grob test was used to verify the inertness and efficiency of the columns, helping to understand the interactions between analytes and stationary phases, particularly toward more polar coffee analytes. A DB-5 column was used only in analysis of n-alkanes and Grob test mixtures as an apolar reference. The evaluated ionic liquid columns showed a moderate acid-base character and low inertness for compounds with hydrogen bond capabilities, especially for the hydroxylated analytes, 2,3-butanediol in the Grob test, and furanones and acids in the coffee standards. The columns exhibiting the best resolution and efficiency were DB-Wax and SLB-IL60, both for samples and standards. Although the DB-Wax column is preferred for analysis of coffee volatiles, due to better inertness, the evaluated ionic liquid columns allowed identification of compounds that were not observed in separations with the Wax-phase column in this work. Among these compounds is 3,4-dimethyl-2,5-furandione, seldom reported in the literature of coffee. Proposed improvement by the manufacturer in the inertness of the columns evaluated in this study may lead to better results; so future versions of IL phases may be better applied in the separation of target analytes, especially those with basic character. Graphical abstract Illustrative representation of the sample (coffee) and the chemical structures of the stationary phases of the ionic liquid capillary columns used as object of study in the present work.

Determination of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in human serum using programmable-temperature vaporization gas chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry.

The determination of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in blood from a non-occupational population is essential for the investigation of adverse health effects from these pollutants. In this study, a sensitive method based on programmable-temperature vaporization with large-volume injection coupled with gas chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry was developed to determine these pollutants in 1-2mL of human serum samples. Various key parameters of programmable-temperature vaporization injector, including vent temperature, vent time, vent flow, transfer temperature and transfer time were optimized by factorial design. The accuracy and precision as well as applicability were assessed by determining polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in calibration standard solutions, standard reference materials and real human serum samples from non-occupational population. The method detection limits of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls were 1.5-9.0 and 0.005-0.02ng/kg wet weight, respectively. By comparing with typically splitless injection, the application of programmable-temperature vaporization injector could effectively lead to higher detectable rate of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in 1-2mL of human serum samples.

Determination of iodopropynyl butylcarbamate in cosmetic formulations utilizing pulsed splitless injection, gas chromatography with electron capture detector

Current analytical methodology for iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) analysis focuses on the use of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometer (LC–MS), but the high instrumentation and operator investment required has resulted in the need for a cost effective alternative methodology. Past publications investigating gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC-ECD) for IPBC quantitation proved largely unsuccessful, likely due to the preservatives limited thermal stability. The use of pulsed injection techniques commonly used for trace analysis of thermally labile pharmaceutical compounds was successfully adapted for IPBC analysis and utilizes the selectivity of GC-ECD analysis. System optimization and sample preparation improvements resulted in substantial performance and reproducibility gains. Cosmetic formulations preserved with IPBC (50–100ppm) were solvated in toluene/isopropyl alcohol and quantified over the 0.3–1.3μg/ml calibration range. The methodology was robust (relative standard deviation 4%), accurate (98% recovery), and sensitive (limit of detection 0.25ng/ml) for use in routine testing of cosmetic formulation preservation.

A refined method for analysis of 4,4\u2032-dicofol and 4,4\u2032-dichlorobenzophenone

The acaricide, dicofol, is a well-known pesticide and partly a substitute for dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). Only few reports on environmental occurrence and concentrations have been reported calling for improvements. Hence, an analytical method was further developed for dicofol and dichlorobenzophenone (DCBP) to enable assessments of their environmental occurrence. Concentrated sulfuric acid was used to remove lipids and to separate dicofol from DCBP. On-column injection was used as an alternative to splitless injection to protect dicofol from thermal decomposition. By the method presented herein, it is possible to quantify dicofol and DCBP in the same samples. Arctic cod (Gadus morhua) were spiked at two dose levels and the recoveries were determined. The mean recovery for dicofol was 65% at the low dose (1 ng) and 77% at the high dose (10 ng). The mean recovery for DCBP was 99% at the low dose (9.2 ng) and 146% at the high dose (46 ng). The method may be further improved by use of another lipid removal method, e.g., gel permeation chromatography. The method implies a step forward in dicofol environmental assessments.

Elimination of N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide interference by base treatment in derivatization gas chromatography mass spectrometry determination of parts per billion of alcohols in a food additive

A novel base treatment followed by liquid-liquid extraction was developed to remove the interference of excess derivatization reagent BSTFA [N,O-Bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide] and its byproducts for trace determination of 1-chloro-2-propanol and 2-chloro-1-propanol in a food additive. The corresponding trimethylsilyl derivatives were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) detection in selective ion monitoring mode. Due to a large volume splitless injection needed for achieving the required sensitivity, excess BSTFA in the derivatization sample solution interfered with the trimethylsilyl derivatives of the analytes of interest, making their quantitation not attainable. Efforts were made to decompose BSTFA while keeping the trimethylsilyl derivatives intact. Water or aqueous sulfuric acid treatment converted BSTFA into mainly N-trimethylsilyltrifluoroacetamide, which partitions between aqueous and organic layers. In contrast, aqueous sodium hydroxide decomposed BSTFA into trifluoroacetic acid, which went entirely into the aqueous layer. No BSTFA or its byproduct N-trimethylsilyltrifluoroacetamide or trifluroacetamide was found in the organic layer where the derivatized alcohols existed, which in turn completely eliminated their interference, enabling accurate and precise determination of parts per billion of the short-chain alcohols in the food additive. Contrary to the conventional wisdom that a trimethylsilyl derivative is susceptible to hydrolysis, the derivatized short-chain alcohols were found stable even in the presence of 0.17N aqueous sodium hydroxide as the improved GC/MS method was validated successfully, with a satisfactory linearity response in the concentration range of 10–400ng/g (regression coefficient greater than 0.999), good method precision (<4%), good recovery (90–98%), and excellent limit of detection (3ng/g) and limit of quantitation (10ng/g).

Preventing decomposition of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole during gas chromatography analysis using programmable temperature vaporization injection

2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) is a chemical compound which is widely used in various processes in chemical industry, and it was also detected in environmental samples. Most of the researchers employed liquid chromatography (LC) or gas chromatography (GC) for determination of MBT. When GC was used, derivatization was necessary in order to prevent decomposition of MBT inside of the hot GC inlet. In this study, a new approach for preventing decomposition of MBT using programmable temperature vaporization (PTV) was presented. The sample was injected in a cold inlet (40?C) and the temperature was raised gradually until the analyte was evaporated. Contrary to hot splitless injection, no decomposition of MBT was observed using PTV. Compared to derivatization, PTV requires no chemicals and the duration of analysis is reduced.

A versatile, refrigerant- and cryogen-free cryofocusing–thermodesorption unit for preconcentration of traces gases in air

Abstract. We present a compact and versatile cryofocusing–thermodesorption unit, which we developed for quantitative analysis of halogenated trace gases in ambient air. Possible applications include aircraft-based in situ measurements, in situ monitoring and laboratory operation for the analysis of flask samples. Analytes are trapped on adsorptive material cooled by a Stirling cooler to low temperatures (e.g. −80 °C) and subsequently desorbed by rapid heating of the adsorptive material (e.g. +200 °C). The set-up involves neither the exchange of adsorption tubes nor any further condensation or refocusing steps. No moving parts are used that would require vacuum insulation. This allows for a simple and robust design. Reliable operation is ensured by the Stirling cooler, which neither contains a liquid refrigerant nor requires refilling a cryogen. At the same time, it allows for significantly lower adsorption temperatures compared to commonly used Peltier elements. We use gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC–MS) for separation and detection of the preconcentrated analytes after splitless injection. A substance boiling point range of approximately −80 to +150 °C and a substance mixing ratio range of less than 1 ppt (pmol mol−1) to more than 500 ppt in preconcentrated sample volumes of 0.1 to 10 L of ambient air is covered, depending on the application and its analytical demands. We present the instrumental design of the preconcentration unit and demonstrate capabilities and performance through the examination of analyte breakthrough during adsorption, repeatability of desorption and analyte residues in blank tests. Examples of application are taken from the analysis of flask samples collected at Mace Head Atmospheric Research Station in Ireland using our laboratory GC–MS instruments and by data obtained during a research flight with our in situ aircraft instrument GhOST-MS (Gas chromatograph for the Observation of Tracers – coupled with a Mass Spectrometer).

Evaluation of gas chromatography – electron ionization – full scan high resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry for pesticide residue analysis

Gas chromatography with electron ionization and full scan high resolution mass spectrometry with an Orbitrap mass analyzer (GC-EI-full scan Orbitrap HRMS) was evaluated for residue analysis. Pesticides in fruit and vegetables were taken as an example application.The relevant aspects for GC-MS based residue analysis, including the resolving power (15,000 to 120,000 FWHM at m/z 200), scan rate, dynamic range, selectivity, sensitivity, analyte identification, and utility of existing EI-libraries, are assessed and discussed in detail.The optimum acquisition conditions in full scan mode (m/z 50–500) were a resolving power of 60,000 and an automatic-gain-control target value of 3E6. These conditions provided (i) an optimum mass accuracy: within 2 ppm over a wide concentration range, with/without matrix, enabling the use of ±5 ppm mass extraction windows (ii) adequate scan speed: minimum 12 scans/peak, (iii) an intra-scan dynamic range sufficient to achieve LOD/LOQs ≤0.5 pg in fruit/vegetable matrices (corresponding to ≤0.5 μg kg−1) for most pesticides. EI-Orbitrap spectra were consistent over a very wide concentration range (5 orders) with good match values against NIST (EI-quadrupole) spectra.The applicability for quantitative residue analysis was verified by validation of 54 pesticides in three matrices (tomato, leek, orange) at 10 and 50 μg/kg. The method involved a QuEChERS-based extraction with a solvent switch into iso-octane, and 1 μL hot splitless injection into the GC-HRMS system. A recovery between 70 and 120% and a repeatability RSD <10% was obtained in most cases. Linearity was demonstrated for the range ≤5–250 μg kg−1. The pesticides could be identified according to the applicable EU criteria for GC-HRMS (SANTE/11945/2015).GC-EI-full scan Orbitrap HRMS was found to be highly suited for quantitative pesticide residue analysis. The potential of qualitative screening to extend the scope makes it an attractive alternative to GC-triple quadrupole MS.

Improved sensitivity by use of gas chromatography-positive chemical ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometry for the analysis of drug related substances.

In 2013, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) drastically lowered the minimum required performance levels (MRPLs) of most doping substances, demanding a substantial increase in sensitivity of the existing methods. For a number of compounds, conventional electron impact ionization gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS/MS) is often no longer sufficient to reach these MRPLs and new strategies are required. In this study, the capabilities of positive ion chemical ionization (PICI) GC-MS/MS are investigated for a wide range of drug related compounds of various classes by injection of silylated reference standards. Ammonia as PICI reagent gas had superior characteristics for GC-MS/MS purposes than methane. Compared to GC-EI-MS/MS, PICI (with ammonia as reagent gas) provided more selective ion transitions and consequently, increased sensitivity by an average factor of 50. The maximum increase (by factor of 500-1000) was observed in the analysis of stimulants, namely chlorprenaline, furfenorex and phentermine. In total, improved sensitivity was obtained for 113 out of 120 compounds. A new GC-PICI-MS/MS method has been developed and evaluated for the detection of a wide variety of exogenous doping substances and the quantification of endogenous steroids in urine in compliance with the required MRPLs established by WADA in 2013. The method consists of a hydrolysis and extraction step, followed by derivatization and subsequent 1μL pulsed splitless injection on GC-PICI-MS/MS (16min run). The increased sensitivity allows the set up of a balanced screening method that meets the requirements for both quantitative and qualitative compounds: sufficient capacity and resolution in combination with high sensitivity and short analysis time. This resulted in calibration curves with a wide linear range (e.g., 48-9600ng/mL for androsterone and etiochanolone; all r(2)>0.99) without compromising the requirements for the qualitative compounds.

Determination of rocket kerosene in soil by static headspace analysis coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

A method has been developed for determining rocket kerosene (RG-1 and T-1) in soil by static headspace analysis with subsequent gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. It has been shown that the headspace analysis of a solid sample is the preferred approach to sample pretreatment compared with the ultrasonic extraction by methanol and the analysis of the equilibrium headspace collected above the extract. The effects of the temperature, the incubation time of the sample, and the moisture of the sample on the extraction and the sensitivity of the headspace determination of rocket kerosenes in soils of different nature have been considered. It has been found that 1 cm3 of the headspace collected above the sample at the temperature of 90°C for 20 min should be injected into a chromatograph (splitless injection mode) to determine the mass concentration of kerosenes in soil in the range of 50–500 mg kg–1. To determine the concentration in the range of 500–20000 mg kg–1, 0.1 cm3 of the headspace collected under similar conditions should be injected into a chromatograph (split mode, 1: 10). The repeatability of the measurements for the studied concentration ranges is 12–6% and the intermediate precision is 14.3–7.4%. The gas chromatography analysis takes 41 min.

Multi-Pesticide Analysis in Sediment by GC-EI-MS/MS Using Programmed Temperature Vaporization–Large Volume Injection Technique

A sensitive, selective and high throughput gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method using programmable temperature vaporization–large volume injection mode (PTV-LVI-GC-MS/MS) for the analysis of 30 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) including toxaphenes in sediments was developed. The PTV-LV injection settings, viz. inlet temperature, split flow, injection phase time, and injection speed were optimized for 50 µL injection. A significant increase in sensitivity was accomplished as compared with that obtained by the conventional 1 µL cold splitless injection. Average LVI recoveries for OCPs were in the range 58–133 % with low % RSD in instrument precision (<12 %). The method detection limits achieved were 0.04–0.92 µg kg−1. The method recovery ranged from 80 to 120 % with <10 % RSD for more than 83 % of targeted analytes fortified at 10 µg kg−1 in sediments. The PTV-LVI-GC-MS/MS allows simultaneous determination and unambiguous confirmation of trace OCPs and toxaphene congeners, which significantly streamlines and improves the trace organic analysis in the environmental surveillance and monitoring.

육계 및 하고초의 향기성분 분석과 항균 활성 연구

The essential oil obtained by steam distillation from medicinal plants of Cinnamomum cassia and Prunellae Herba. Analysis of essential oils were performed on GC/MS selective detector. Separations were performed fused silica capillary column. The carrier gas was ultra pure helium with a flow of 1 <TEX>$m{\ell}/min$</TEX> and the splitless injector temperature was set as <TEX>$280^{\circ}C$</TEX>. The column temperature program was as follows: initial temperature of <TEX>$70^{\circ}C$</TEX> for 4 min, and increased by <TEX>$2^{\circ}C/min$</TEX> 70 to <TEX>$100^{\circ}C$</TEX> (held 2 min), After that the temperature was varied from 100 to <TEX>$200^{\circ}C$</TEX> at <TEX>$5^{\circ}C/min$</TEX> (held 20 min), increase to <TEX>$280^{\circ}C$</TEX> (held 5 min) at <TEX>$10^{\circ}C/min$</TEX>, in a total run time of 73 min. Ten volatile flavor components were identified from C. cassia and ten volatile flavor components were identified from Prunellae Herba. Strong inhibition of growth of Vibrio parahaemolyticus was obtained with all doses of C. cassia tested. Moreover, antimicrobial activity of C. cassia occurred in a dose dependant manner.

Study for the Revision of Analytical Method for Tris (2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate with Restriction in Textiles

The official analytical method for tris(2,3-dibromopropyl)phosphate (TDBPP), which is banned from use in textile products by the "Act on Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances", requires revision. This study examined an analytical method for TDBPP by GC/MS using a capillary column. Thermal decomposition of TDBPP was observed by GC/MS measurement using capillary column, unlike in the case of gas chromatography/flame photometric detector (GC/FPD) measurement based on a direct injection method using a capillary megabore column. A quadratic curve, Y=2572X(1.416), was obtained for the calibration curve of GC/FPD in the concentration range 2.0-100 μg/mL. The detection limit was 1.0 μg/mL under S/N=3. The reproducibility for repetitive injections was satisfactory. A pretreatment method was established using methanol extraction, followed by liquid-liquid partition and purification with a florisil cartridge column. The recovery rate of this method was ～100%. TDBPP was not detected in any of the five commercial products that this study analyzed. To understand the cause of TDBPP decomposition during GC/MS (electron ionization; EI) measurement using capillary column, GC/MS (chemical ionization; CI), GC/FPD, and gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (GC/FID) measurements were conducted. It was suggested that TDBPP might thermally decompose both during GC injection, especially through a splitless injection method, and in the column or ion sources. To attempt GC/MS measurement, an injection part comprising quartz liner was used and the column length was halved (15 m); thus, only one peak could be obtained.

Dynamic headspace generation and quantitation of triacetone triperoxide vapor

Two methods for quantitation of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) vapor using a programmable temperature vaporization (PTV) inlet coupled to a gas chromatography/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) have been demonstrated. The dynamic headspace of bulk TATP was mixed with clean humid air to produce a TATP vapor stream. Sampling via a heated transfer line to a PTV inlet with a Tenax-TA™ filled liner allowed for direct injection of the vapor stream to a GC/MS for vapor quantitation. TATP was extracted from the vapor stream and subsequently desorbed from the PTV liner for splitless injection on the GC column. Calibration curves were prepared using solution standards with a standard split/splitless GC inlet for quantitation of the TATP vapor. Alternatively, vapor was sampled onto a Tenax-TA™ sample tube and placed into a thermal desorption system. In this instance, vapor was desorbed from the tube and subsequently trapped on a liquid nitrogen cooled PTV inlet. Calibration curves for this method were prepared from direct liquid injection of standards onto samples tube with the caveat that a vacuum is applied to the tube during deposition to ensure that the volatile TATP penetrates into the tube. Vapor concentration measurements, as determined by either GC/MS analysis or mass gravimetry of the bulk TATP, were statistically indistinguishable. Different approaches to broaden the TATP vapor dynamic range, including diluent air flow, sample chamber temperature, sample vial orifice size, and sample size are discussed. Vapor concentrations between 50 and 5400ngL−1 are reported, with stable vapor generation observed for as long as 60 consecutive hours.

Thermal degradation of a new synthetic cannabinoid QUPIC during analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Quinolin-8-yl 1-pentyl-(1H-indole)-3-carboxylate (QUPIC) is a newly introduced synthetic cannabinoid in the drug market. This drug was found to undergo thermal decomposition during gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), probably because of the presence of an ester bond in its structure. Most notably, when QUPIC dissolved in methanol or ethanol was analyzed by GC–MS, most of the QUPIC decomposed to give thermal degradation products. We identified the products as methyl 1-pentyl-(1H-indole)-3-carboxylate, ethyl 1-pentyl-(1H-indole)-3-carboxylate, and methyl indole-3-carboxylate by comparison of their mass spectra with those of reference standards synthesized in our laboratory. Nonalcoholic solvents such as acetone and chloroform gave a major peak and a minor peak for unchanged QUPIC and the degradation product 8-quinolinol, respectively. Furthermore, we studied the effects of various parameters, such as injection methods (splitless or split, and split ratio), injector temperatures, and injector liners on the thermal degradation of QUPIC. Split injection was effective in avoiding degradation. When performing splitless injection, an injector temperature of 250 °C and a surface deactivated injector liner without glass wool minimized the degradation and enhanced the sensitivity. These results indicate that special attention is required for GC–MS analysis of QUPIC, and the information presented in this study will be very useful for forensic toxicologists using GC–MS.

Profiling Alkyl Phosphates in Industrial Petroleum Samples by Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography with Nitrogen Phosphorus Detection (GC × GC–NPD), Post-column Deans Switching, and Concurrent Backflushing

Several refinery fouling incidents in North America have been due to the presence of alkyl phosphates in the crude oil feed. These phosphates originate in some cases from their use as gellants (viscosity builders) for fracturing fluids used in the process of hydraulic fracturing in water-sensitive geologies. Industry responded with an inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP–OES) method for the analysis of total volatile phosphorus. Applied to distillate fractions of crude oil, this method is plagued with limited precision and a high limit of detection (0.5 ± 1 μg of phosphorus mL–1). This approach provides only total P with no speciation information; thus, it cannot be used to develop an understanding of alkyl phosphate fouling at a molecular level. Our group previously presented an approach using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with nitrogen phosphorus detection (GC × GC–NPD) and post-column Deans switching that provided qualitative and quantitative profiles of alkyl phosphates in industrial petroleum samples with increased precision and at levels comparable to or below those achievable by ICP–OES. Here, we present a refinement to this method that incorporates splitless injection and concurrent backflushing. Using this technique, it is possible to quantify alkyl phosphates to levels 2 orders of magnitude lower than those achieved with our previous approach and 2–3 orders of magnitude lower than what is possible by ICP–OES while still maintaining an increased precision over ICP–OES. The addition of concurrent backflushing provided column protection, reducing instrument maintenance and improving the reproducibility of retention times when analyzing heavier industrial petroleum fractions. A recovery study performed in two different industrial petroleum samples demonstrated the reliability of calibrations performed in solvent when used for quantification of alkyl phosphates in real samples. Finally, a profiling study of alkyl phosphates in 14 different industrial petroleum samples (crude oil and mixtures of crude oil and fracture fluid) is also presented.

Focused ultrasound assisted extraction for the determination of PBDEs in vegetables and amended soil

Focused-ultrasound solid-liquid extraction was developed for the extraction of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in vegetables and amended soil. Firstly, solid-phase extraction clean-up using 2g and 5 g of Florisil and 2-g silica cartridges were evaluated and elution profile was also optimised. Similar recoveries were obtained for most compounds while better recoveries were obtained for 5-g Florisil in the case of the heavier PBDEs. FUSLE extraction time (2 min) guaranteed quantitative extraction of the target analytes in the four studied matrices (69-130%). Method detection limit values were in the range of 1-5 ng g(-1) for splitless injection in a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer and no significant improvement was obtained for large volume injection. Relative standard deviation values were between 1% and 30%. Recoveries obtained using FUSLE were compared with those obtained with microwave assisted extraction and the developed method was also applied to a certify reference material of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinared biphenyls in sediment. Similar values were obtained in the case of carrot and pepper matrices (77-130% for FUSLE and 77-112% for MAE). However, MAE provided extraction recoveries higher than 100% for most of the BDE congeners in lettuce and amended soil.

Thermal degradation of α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone during injection in gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

α-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) is a popular recreational drug in Japan. This drug easily undergoes thermal decomposition during gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. We evaluated three factors involved in the decomposition, namely the injection method (splitless or split, split ratio), injector temperature, and surface activity on the inlet liner. Splitless injection of α-PVP using a used deactivated split/splitless liner at an injector temperature of 250°C caused thermal decomposition. This decomposition was inhibited by split injection. A higher split ratio resulted in greater prevention. Based on the mass spectrum of deuterated α-PVP, the decomposition product was presumed to be an enamine whose double bond was located in the alkyl chain. Lowering the injection temperature from 250°C to 200°C did not prevent decomposition. New glass liners, both deactivated and non-deactivated, were compared. The use of a new deactivated liner minimized thermal decomposition, even for splitless injection, while the non-deactivated liner generated an increase in the amount of the decomposition product. These results showed that the injection method and the surface activity on the inlet liner were involved in the thermal decomposition of α-PVP.

Simultaneous determination of 11 related impurities in propofol by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry coupled with pulsed splitless injection technique

A variety of related impurities, including starting materials, process impurities, and degradation products, can be detected in propofol. In this article, a sensitive and selective GC-MS/MS method using pulsed splitless injection technique for the determination of 11 main related impurities in propofol in one chromatogram is investigated. This method is extensively validated for its linearity, recovery, precision, LOD, and LOQ, and is able to detect trace-level related impurities (LOD = 0.2-5.6 μg/g) in propofol bulk drug. Stressed tests proposed that oxidative degradation, photolytic degradation, and heat are the main causes for the formation of degradation products in propofol.