1,4-Dioxane

Importance of the Topic

1,4-Dioxane is a ubiquitous contaminant used in industrial processes and a known environmental and health hazard due to its solubility in water and resistance to conventional treatment. Accurate trace-level analysis in water matrices is essential for regulatory compliance, environmental monitoring and ensuring public safety.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note presents a validated GC-MS method featuring an inert capillary column to quantify 1,4-Dioxane at low microgram-per-liter levels. The primary goal is to demonstrate high sensitivity, reproducibility and chromatographic inertness for trace analysis in solvent matrices.

Methodology

Sample preparation involves dilution of 1,4-Dioxane to 1.0 µg/mL in acetone with an internal standard of 1,4-Dioxane-d8 at 0.5 µg/mL. A 1 µL aliquot is introduced by pulsed splitless injection. Separate calibration and quality control injections ensure method linearity and precision.

Instrumentation Used

• Gas Chromatograph–Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS)
• Column: InertCap® 1MS, 0.25 mm I.D. × 30 m, 1.0 µm film
• Oven program: 40 °C (5 min) → 10 °C/min → 200 °C (5 min)
• Carrier gas: Helium, 36.0 cm/s linear velocity
• Injection: Pulsed splitless at 150 kPa until 1.5 min, injector at 250 °C
• Detection: MS in Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) mode, interface at 250 °C

Key Results and Discussion

The chromatogram exhibits a single, well-resolved peak for 1,4-Dioxane at approximately 7.3 minutes, followed by the internal standard around 8.3 minutes. Total ion current response is linear across the studied range, with excellent peak shape and negligible tailing, highlighting the inertness of the column’s surface.

Method precision by replicate injections showed relative standard deviations below 3%. No significant carryover or matrix interference was observed, demonstrating robustness for routine analysis.

Practical Implications

• Enables reliable quantification of trace 1,4-Dioxane in environmental and industrial water samples
• Meets stringent regulatory requirements for drinking and process water monitoring
• Simplifies laboratory workflow with direct injection and minimal sample cleanup

Future Trends and Applications

Advancements in column technology and faster oven programs could further reduce analysis time. Coupling with online sample preparation, headspace sampling or automated liquid handling will expand applicability to high-throughput environmental screening. Similar inert GC columns may be applied to other volatile organic contaminants.

Conclusion

A robust GC-MS method using an InertCap® 1MS column delivers sensitive, reproducible analysis of 1,4-Dioxane at trace levels. High inertness and optimized SIM acquisition ensure reliable performance for routine environmental and quality-control laboratories.

References

Data No. GA 235-0644, GL Sciences Inc.