GC/MS method for Nitrous oxide?

[Scimel]

Working with a 30m X 0.25 X0.25 HP1-MS column on a Varian 3800GC with a Saturn 2000 MSD.

Does anyone have a method for analyzing racing fuels, specifically Nitrous oxide.

Limited time prevents method development. Please respond ASAP.

[CE Instruments]

Nitrous Oxide will not retain on an HP-1 column and Ion traps are not very good at gas analysis. At the very least you will need a suitable packed capillary that can separate gases and low hydrocarbons.

[chromatographer1]

Try using a Porapak Q packed column or a Supel-Q PLOT capillary column.

Start at 35°C and increase oven temperature as needed.

[Scimel]

Thank you for the prompt responses.

Unfortunately, I am lacking any packed columns. The prior method used a DB-1 column, but that is now out of commssion.

I'll keep working on it. Seems like a good intern project....

[ddostie]

I have fairly extensive experience analyzing freons and related compounds by GC/FID and GC/MS. Unfortunately most of my FID work had to be done on packed columns. However the GC/MS work involved capilary columns at sub-ambient conditions. Operating at -40 degrees will open up a whole new world for you. No guarantee for nitrous, but that's the place to start.

Duane

[james little]

could try something like the following reference..

http://www.assaytech.com/nitrsoxd.htm

http://www.quadrexcorp.com/new/columns/plt5a.htm

[Ron]

For this type of analysis you will probably want to try a PLOT column. PLOT columns are capillary dimensions, but instead of a liquid stationary phase there is a solid chromatographic phase like those used in packed columns. These columns are commonly used for light gas analyses. Check application information on column manufacturers web sites for appropriate columns, but the PLOT-Q suggested above is probably one of the best choices.