Continuous real-time analysis of products from the reaction of some monoterpenes with ozone using atmospheric sampling glow discharge ionization coupled to a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer

An on-line technique has been demonstrated for the analysis of photochemical oxidation reaction products. The technique is based on the direct introduction of gas and particulate oxidation products into a custom-built atmospheric sampling glow discharge ionization source (ASGDI) coupled to a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer (QITMS). Operational parameters of the ASGDI system were investigated to determine their influence on the ion signal for the analysis of oxidation products in real time. These parameters include the discharge current, ion accumulation time, and type of reagent gas. Reference mass spectra from standards were generated for a variety of biogenic compounds and terpene reaction products containing keto, hydroxy, aldehyde, carboxylic acid, or epoxy groups to better understand the fragmentation that occurs in the glow discharge ion source. Results are presented for ozonolysis reactions of four biogenic monoterpenes (alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, D-limonene, Delta(3)-carene) monitored with the ASGDI quadrupole ion trap to demonstrate the ability to obtain real-time measurements. The reaction products identified with ASGDI-QITMS correspond to those products identified with other techniques, including on-line atmospheric pressure chemical ionization techniques. Efficient differentiation of multifunctional products including mono-/di-/hydroxy-/keto-carboxylic acid and keto-/hydroxy-aldehyde was possible by use of the MS/MS capability of the instrument.