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Gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometric analysis of the stable carbon composition of tetrols
Author(s) -
Wang Wu,
Li Li,
Li Huaijian,
Zhang Dongping,
Wen Shen,
Jia Wanglu,
Wang Bangjin,
Sheng Guo ying,
Fu Jiamo
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
rapid communications in mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.528
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1097-0231
pISSN - 0951-4198
DOI - 10.1002/rcm.4177
Subject(s) - chemistry , derivatization , isotope ratio mass spectrometry , isotopes of carbon , isoprene , chromatography , mass spectrometry , gas chromatography , levoglucosan , carbon fibers , isotope fractionation , fractionation , isotope , isotope analysis , environmental chemistry , organic chemistry , total organic carbon , biomass burning , aerosol , ecology , materials science , physics , quantum mechanics , composite number , copolymer , composite material , biology , polymer
The stable carbon isotope compositions of tetrols, erythritol and threitol were determined by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS). Using four tetrols with various δ 13 C values derivatized by methylboronic acid, the carbon isotope analysis method achieved excellent reproducibility and high accuracy. There was no carbon isotopic fractionation during the derivatization processes. The differences in the carbon isotopic compositions of methylboronates between the measured and calculated ranged from −0.20 to 0.12‰, within the specification of the GC/C/IRMS system. It was demonstrated that δ 13 C values of tetrols could be calculated by a simple mass balance equation between tetrols, methylboronic acid, and methylboronates. The analogous 2‐methyltetrols, marker compounds of photooxidation products of atmospheric isoprene, should have similar behavior using the same derivatization reagent. This method may provide insight on sources and sinks of atmospheric isoprene. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.