Radiofrequency glow discharge mass spectrometry for gas chromatographic detection: A new departure for elemental speciation studies

An rf glow discharge source operating at 30 W power and about 0.6 mbar pressure was utilized as a detector for tetraalkyltins separated by gas chromatography. These were the optimized power and pressure values, Detection levels of about 1 pg were comparable to some of the lowest reported literature values, even with a non-vented chromatographic experiment. NIST SRM 2715 Lead in Reference Fuel was used to test the analytical capabilities of the technique with good results. In an exciting nov departure for elemental speciation studies, structural information can be obtained by scanning the mass spectrum at each chromatographic peak. Fragment information was also available from the SRM.