Characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by laser mass spectrometry

Journal Article · Thu May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986 · Anal. Chem.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ac00297a027· OSTI ID:5818447

Balasanmugam, K; Viswanadham, S K; Hercules, D M

The positive- and negative-ion laser mass spectra (LMS) of a series of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are described. PAHs were analyzed using both the LAMMA-500 and LAMMA-1000 laser mass spectrometers. There were no significant differences in positive ion spectra obtained using the two instruments. The positive-ion LMS of all PAHs are dominated by the odd-electron molecular ion M/sup +/; in most cases a peak corresponding to (M + H)/sup +/ is also observed. Addition of NH/sub 4/Cl to PAHs increases the intensity of (M + H)/sup +/ relative to M/sup +/. Ions corresponding to (M - H)/sup +/, (M - H/sub 2/)/sup +/, and (M - H/sub 3/)/sup +/ are observed for most compounds. The positive ion LMS of alkyl- and aryl-substituted PAHs show intense ions corresponding to loss of alkyl or aryl groups from M/sup +/. No molecular anion was observed in the negative-ion laser mass spectrum of any PAH using the LAMMA-500. A series of PAHs were analyzed by mixing with N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPDA). The spectra showed no molecular anions; however, PAHs having CH/sub 2/, alkyl, or CH groups show an ion corresponding to (M - H)/sup -/. In contrast, molecular anions M/sup -/ were observed in the negative-ion LMS of all PAHs with the LAMMA-1000. Possible reasons for the differences between the two instruments are discussed. 24 references, 8 figures, 2 tables.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh, PA
• OSTI ID: 5818447
• Journal Information: Anal. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: Anal. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 58:6; ISSN ANCHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
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500200 -- Environment
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Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ANIONS
AROMATICS
CATIONS
CHARGED PARTICLES
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
DATA
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
HYDROCARBONS
INFORMATION
IONS
LASERS
MASS SPECTRA
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
NUMERICAL DATA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SPECTRA
SPECTROSCOPY