Application of a unique selective PLOT capillary column for the analysis of oxygenated compounds in ambient air

A new PLOT column (CP-LOWOX) designed specifically for the analysis of oxyg enated compounds has been used for the gas chromatographic determination of semi-volatile carbonyl compounds. The separation behavior of the new colum n was investigated by comparing it with the widely used non-polar polydimet hylsiloxane and polar poly(ethylene glycol) columns. The CP-LOWOX column ha s unique selectivity for aldehydes and ketones enabling a selective separat ion of these analytes from predominating hydrocarbon matrices. Application of the CP-LOWOX column for the analysis of polar compounds in ambient air i s demonstrated. Sampling was performed by adsorptive enrichment coupled wit h thermal desorption. The suitability of Tenax TA and a multi-bed adsorbent trap Carbotrap C and Carbotrap) was tested for the sampling of semivolatil e carbonyl compounds.