The characterization of oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in polluted urban atmospheres is a growing field of research.  Previous studies have identified three isomeric diones, benzoapyrene-1,6-, 3,6-, and 6,12-, in urban particulate matter using high-performance liquid chromatography. Further work is needed to achieve successful separation and high sensitivity using gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS), which is another powerful, reliable, and relatively inexpensive analytical technique. This work will identify a suitable solvent that offers stability and solubility of the BaP-diones as well as compatibility with the chemistry on the GC column.  Results will include optimization of the sensitivity for these compounds by employing different ionization methods. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) will be used to identify parent-daughter ion pairs characteristic of benzoapyrene-diones. Application of these methods to environmental samples will be employed to determine the presence and abundance of BaP-diones in the Los Angeles Basin.

Method development for the separation and characterization of oxygenated benzoapyrene using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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