Group-type identification of oil samples using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (GC x GC-TOF)

In this work a comprehensive two-dimensional system (GC x GC) was coupled t o a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF/MS) for the analysis of oil sampl es. Group-types like the alkanes and saturated cyclic compounds (naphthenes ), which are present in oil, are shown separately by selecting their unique masses. On selecting appropriate ion fragments, this method also permits t he determination of sulfur- and oxygen-containing species in oil. Former re sults obtained by FID detection could be confirmed. After proper selection of unique ions in GC x GC-TOF both selectivity and sensitivity increase.