Nitro- and sulfur compounds

Significance of the Topic

The rapid analysis of nitro and sulfur compounds is crucial for environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance under EPA 8270. These analytes often originate from industrial processes and require sensitive, reliable screening to protect ecosystems and human health.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This application note demonstrates a streamlined gas chromatographic method that separates 13 nitro and sulfur compounds in 20 minutes using an Agilent VF-17ms capillary column with flame ionization detection. The focus is on method speed, resolution, and reproducibility for routine laboratories.

Methodology and Instrumentation

An Agilent fused silica capillary column (30 m length, 0.25 mm inner diameter, 0.25 um film thickness) was mounted in a GC system equipped with a split injector (1 to 100 ratio) and FID.

Conditions included:

• Temperature program: start at 50 C, ramp at 10 C per minute to 300 C
• Carrier gas: helium at 70 kPa
• Sample injection: 1 uL
• Analyte concentration: 200 ug per mL

Main Results and Discussion

The method achieved baseline separation of all target compounds within 20 minutes. Peak shapes were sharp and retention times were reproducible, reflecting compound polarity and molecular weight differences. Peak identification was confirmed by matching retention times with standards.

Elution order of analytes:

1. Methyl methane sulfonate
2. Ethyl methane sulfonate
3. Acetophenone
4. Nitrobenzene
5. Isophorone
6. Safrole
7. Isosafrole
8. 1,4-Naphthoquinone
9. m-Dinitrobenzene
10. 2,6-Dinitrotoluene
11. 2,4-Dinitrotoluene
12. 1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene
13. Pentachloronitrobenzene

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

• Fast screening workflow for environmental contaminants
• High reproducibility suitable for QA QC labs
• Compliance with EPA 8270 requirements
• Minimal sample preparation and robust performance in complex matrices

Future Trends and Applications

Integration with mass spectrometry could improve selectivity and lower detection limits. Advances in column materials and faster temperature programming may further reduce analysis times. Automation and online sampling systems promise enhanced throughput for environmental monitoring.

Conclusion

The optimized GC FID method on an Agilent VF-17ms column delivers rapid, reliable separation of nitro and sulfur compounds in under 20 minutes, meeting regulatory guidelines and supporting routine environmental and industrial analyses.