Clean-up of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and 3-ring azaarenes and their GC-analysis on whisker-walled open tubular columns

A modified clean-up of polynuclear aromatic (PNA) hydrocarbons on XAD-2 is described. n-Alkanes (C16C28) are separated quantitatively from the PNA hydrocarbons and are eluted in one fraction. The distribution of 17 PNA hydrocarbons and four of their alkyl derivatives, two S-heterocyclic compounds and two azaarenes between the different fractions is reported. Azaarenes containing three rings are separated from PNA hydrocarbons and S-heterocyclic compounds. Whisker-walled open tubular columns coated with OV-215 and OV-25 were used in the separation of isomeric azaarenes and in PNA hydrocarbon profile analysis, respectively. The preparation of such columns is described in detail. Rinsing of capillary columns with cold, concentrated HCI after whisker growth removes much larger amounts of boron and sodium than subsequent leaching with HCI at 180°C. Whisker-walled open tubular columns are successfully applied to the characterization of isomeric benzofluoranthenes and other PNA hydrocarbons isolated from air particulate matter.