Fast Semivolatiles Analysis using the Agilent Technologies 6890/5973 inert GC/MSD

Importance of the Topic

The rapid and reliable analysis of semivolatile organic compounds is essential in environmental, industrial, and regulatory laboratories. Accurate measurement across acids, bases, and neutral analytes over a broad concentration range improves data quality for risk assessment and compliance monitoring. Advances in GC/MS technology aim to increase throughput, lower detection limits, and minimize instrument-related sample loss.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application evaluates the performance of the Agilent 6890/5973 inert GC/MSD system for fast semivolatiles analysis. Key goals include achieving run times under 8 minutes, extending calibration down to 0.5 ppm, maintaining linearity for reactive targets, and enabling split injections on a 100 µm id column.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Operating parameters were optimized to balance speed and sensitivity. Instrumentation used:

• Agilent 6890 GC with electronic pneumatic control at 150 psi inlet pressure
• Siltek Cyclosplitter inlet liner enabling 10:1 split injections
• Custom HP-5MS column, 12.5 m length, 100 µm id, 0.1 µm film thickness
• Oven temperature program: 40 °C initial, ramp at 45 °C/min to 320 °C, total run time 8 min
• Agilent 5973 inert MSD tuned with DFTPP, emission current set to 25 µA
• Mass range 35–500 amu, acquisition rate ~6 scans/s

Main Results and Discussion

Calibration was performed at eight levels from 0.5 to 20 ppm (extended to 160 ppm for comparative tests), including 77 analytes and six internal standards. Key findings:

• 5 ppm total ion chromatogram achieved baseline separation of all targets in under 7.5 minutes
• Inert source yields improved response factors, notably for active compounds such as 2,4-dinitrophenol
• System performance check compounds exceeded USEPA 8270D criteria for average response factors
• Linearity across all compound classes showed relative standard deviations of 7–9% at low levels, outperforming the non-inert source

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

This method supports higher sample throughput and lower minimum detection limits, while preserving linearity for reactive semivolatiles. Split injection capability with microbore columns reduces sample loading and extends source cleanliness. Laboratories can streamline workflows for environmental screening, QA/QC panels, and regulatory compliance using the validated protocol.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Emerging developments may include ultra-fast chromatography with narrower bore columns, enhanced inert surface chemistries, and integrated data processing using machine learning. Portable inert GC/MS systems could enable on-site screening. Further matrix extension and automation will broaden applications in food safety, forensic analysis, and process monitoring.

Conclusion

The Agilent 6890/5973 inert GC/MSD delivers rapid semivolatiles analysis under 8 minutes, superior linearity at sub-ppm levels, and robust performance for active analytes. Its inert source and microbore column configuration enable split injections and extended source life, making it a versatile solution for modern analytical challenges.