Chemical analysis by ion trap detector mass spectrometry

Abstract

This paper describes original work in analytical organic chemistry performed by the technique of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and using a Finnigan ion trap detector (ITO) instead of a conventional low resolution mass spectrometer. It is shown that the quality of mass . spectra obtainable by the ITO may be dependent on the chemical nature of the sample and its site. The formation of quasi-molecular ions, [M + 1]+, as well as that of other unusual fragments, including the novel dimer peak [M -X]/2+ from halonaphthalenes is described and discussed. The use of the ITO for the analysis of complex mixtures having high background contributions is illustrated by-a description of the forensic analysis of arson fire debris for the presence of accelerants.