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Flame‐induced atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry
Author(s) -
Cheng SyChyi,
Chen YenTing,
Jhang SiouSian,
Shiea Jentaie
Publication year - 2016
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.7516
Subject(s) - chemistry , atmospheric pressure chemical ionization , mass spectrometry , chemical ionization , analytical chemistry (journal) , analyte , atmospheric pressure , ambient ionization , detection limit , ionization , mass spectrum , ion , ion source , polyatomic ion , corona discharge , desorption electrospray ionization , chromatography , organic chemistry , oceanography , electrode , geology
Rationale Charged species such as formylium (CHO + ), hydronium (H 3 O + ), and water clusters [H 3 O + (H 2 O) n ] are commonly found in flames. These highly reactive species can react with analytes via ion‐molecule reactions (IMRs) to form analyte ions. A new mass spectrometric technique, named flame‐induced atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (FAPCI‐MS), was developed to characterize organic compounds via these mechanisms. Methods A commercial corona‐discharge atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source was modified by replacing the corona needle with a flame to make a FAPCI source. Liquid samples were vaporized in a heated tube and delivered to the IMRs region by nitrogen to react with the charged species generated by a flame. Analytes on surfaces were directly desorbed and ionized by a flame using the technique called desorption‐FAPCI‐MS (DFAPCI‐MS). Results Intact molecular ions of various chemical and biological compounds were successfully characterized by FAPCI‐MS. The FAPCI mass spectra are nearly identical to those obtained by traditional APCI‐MS. The limit of detection (LOD) of reserpine by FAPCI‐MS was 50 μg L –1 with a linear calibration curve (R 2 = 0.9947) from 100 μg L –1 to 10 mg L –1 . The LOD for ketamine by DFAPCI‐MS was estimated to be less than 0.1 ng. Conclusions In FAPCI, analytes are not incinerated but vaporized and introduced into the ion source to react with the reactive charged species generated by a flame. The features of the FAPCI source include: configuration is very simple, operation is easy, high voltage or inert gas is unnecessary, and the source is maintenance free. Various combustible gases, solvents and solids are useful flame fuels for FAPCI. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.