LC-MS analysis of biogenic carbonyl compounds using novel derivatization agents

CHED 1104

Anna A. Volkert, volkeraa@uwec.edu and James E. Boulter, boulteje@uwec.edu. Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 105 Garfield Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54702
Carbonyl compounds play important roles in diverse atmospheric concerns ranging from smog formation to the carbon budgets of natural ecosystems. Many of these compounds are released into the atmosphere by plants for reasons that are incompletely understood. A common method for analyzing atmospheric carbonyls involves trapping them on cartridges containing 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) coated on a silica stationary support. The resulting hydrazones are eluted and analyzed by HPLC-UV/Vis. This method suffers from well-documented interferences and is unable to easily identify more complex carbonyl compounds. Conversely, analysis by LC-MS affords greater sensitivity, improved identification of analytes and exclusion of interferences. However, this method requires the use of alternative agents to trap carbonyls and form products that are readily ionized in an electrospray inlet. We will report the use of novel carbonyl derivatization agents such as hydrazine to form azine analytes and 4-carboxy phenyl hydrazine to form the corresponding hydrazones.