Selective Quantitation of Organic Sulfur with the Precursor Scan Method of Neutralization–Reionization Mass Spectrometry

Quantitation of organosulfur compounds in a hydrocarbon matrix was studied by the precursor scan method of neutralization–reionization mass spectrometry. The CHS + ion was used as a marker selectively to detect and quantify sulfur compounds dissolved in a synthetic hydrocarbon mixture. Precursor ion abundances showed a linear dependence on the organosulfur content in the 1–100% concentration range. Detection limits of 0.5% were achieved, which were limited by the instrument sensitivity. Isobaric interferences of 13 C isotopomers from hydrocarbons were negligible. Small interferences from oxygen‐ and nitrogen‐containing additives are discussed. Several neutralization gases were examined to minimize interferences and to maximize the ion abundances. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.