Artefact problems during analysis of biogenic VOCs

The decomposition of terpenes and terpenoids during sampling on Tenax TA, b oth with and without ozone is investigated. The detrimental effect of ozone depends on the chemical structure of the compounds. Ozone scrubbers, inclu ding crystalline potassium iodide (KI) and manganese dioxide-coated copper nets was developed and thoroughly tested. Experiments without oxidant show decomposition of alpha-pinene and sabinene on Tenax TA. The identified degr adation products were monoterpenes and aromatic compounds.