DETERMINATION OF PEROXYACETYL NITRATE, PEROXYPROPIONYL NITRATE AND ALKYL NITRATES OF ATMOSPHERIC IMPORTANCE USING CAPILLARY COLUMNS

Three capillary columns were studied for the determination of peroxyacetyl nitrate, peroxypropionyl nitrate and some alkyl nitrates of atmospheric importance. Two non-polar HP-1 100% dimethyl polysiloxane columns, of 0.53 and 0.32 mm I.D., yielded the best resolution of all compounds studied. The intermediate polarity HP-17 50% methyl-50% phenyl polysiloxane wide-bore column could not resolve peroxypropionyl nitrate from 2-butyl nitrate. Compared with capillary columns with polar Carbowax stationary phases, the columns studied gave a better resolution of peroxyacetyl nitrate and peroxypropionyl nitrate, and there was no interfering water peak. Alkyl nitrates could be determined simultaneously. Detection limits were in the low ppb range.