Volatile thiols using GC-MSD

[kst1]

Hi! I am interested in setting up an analytical procedure to quantify volatile thiols-DES, DMS, DMDS, DEDS, ethyl and methyl mercaptans by GC-MS. However, in doing a literature search any work related to this has utilized an FPD detector in the sulphur mode. Since, we dont have one I was wondering whether having an MS in SIM mode would be sufficient in quantifying these compounds? Any suggestions?

[Peter Apps]

It all depends on the concentration of the analytes. Really the only way to find out if it will work is to try it and see.

The disulphides are a bit thermolabile, so keep your GC-MS transfer line temperature as low as you can.

Peter

[chromatographer1]

Thiols can react with any bare metal you have in your system.

Don't expect to see quanitative results.

best wishes,

Rod

[MikeD]

For alkyl thiols we have found that MS CI+ gave 10-100X better sensitivity than EI. I agree with others about the semiquantitative nature of the measurements at low level. Some days EI gave nothing at all.

Our mixture included amines and alcohols for which we used a CP-Volamine column. It turned out to give good chromatography for thiols as well.