Parallel ICP-MS and EI-MS detection after GC separation as a unique tool for simultaneous identification and quantification of volatile heteroatomic organic compounds

The presented technique combines the quantitative benefits characteristic of element specific inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) techniques with the advantages of highly selective and molecule specific electron ionisation mass spectrometry (EI-MS) detection by parallel hyphenation of these detectors. As proof of concept, parallel detection of four iodinated alkanes (iodomethane, iodoethane, 1-iodopropane, 2-iodopropane) with EI-MS and ICP-MS after capillary gas chromatography (GC) is demonstrated. Analytical figures of merit resulting from linear calibration are presented and compared with respect to the two different detectors. Limits of detection (0.6 pg as iodine) comparable to values reported in literature were achieved for ICP-MS detection of all investigated species.