SUPERCRITICAL-FLUID CHROMATOGRAPHY ATMOSPHERIC-PRESSURE CHEMICAL-IONIZATION MASS-SPECTROMETRY FOR THE ANALYSIS OF HYDROXY POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC-HYDROCARBONS

Supercritical fluid chromatography in combination with atmospheric pre ssure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry has been used for the char acterisation of hydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (hydroxy-PAHs ). These compounds were separated on a reversed-phase column, and temp erature, pressure and modifier were evaluated to optimise the chromato graphic conditions. Mass spectra were obtained in both positive and ne gative ionisation modes. Proton addition and proton abstraction were t he common routes of ionisation and losses of CO and H2O also occurred. Transformation to the quinone structure was observed for some of the hydroxy-PAHs. Detection limits were at the ng level and run-to-run rep roducibility ranging from 2 to 12% (R.S.D.) was obtained. (C) 1997 Els evier Science B.V.