Analysis of multi-component mixtures by high-resolution capillary gas chromatography and combined gas chromatography—mass spectrometry: II. Trace aromatics in an n-alkane matrix

Abstract The achievement of and problems with the trace analysis of multi-component mixtures are demonstrated on a complex organic mixture containing trace amounts of numerous aromatic substances in an n -alkane matrix with a boiling range of 151–270°C. Qualitative analysis of trace aromatics was performed, after a preseparation step, on a preconcentrated LC fraction by high-resolution capillary GC—MS with electron impact ionization from mass spectra, mass chromatograms using a single-column separation system (HP-PONA column) and splitless injection. With direct injection of the sample and selected-ion monitoring of aromatics there were problems with interferences from ions of the matrix, 185 aromatic compounds belonging to various aromatic groups (mainly alkylbenzenes, indanes, tetralins, naphthalenes and acenaphthenes) were identified at concentrations of individual aromatics in the range 10 −3 –10 −6 %.