A rapid method for the analysis of methyl dihydrojasmonate and galaxolide in indoor and outdoor air particulate matter

• Analytical procedure allows the quantification of synthetic fragrances (HHCB and MDHJ) PM filter samples in combination with other organic molecular tracers.
• Determination of synthetic fragrances in indoor and outdoor urban PM, including background and busy street sites, school classrooms and subway stations in a developed urban area.
• HHCB and MDHJ were quantified in all samples with highest concentrations in indoor samples.
• The determination of synthetic fragrances increases the insight on influence of anthropogenic activities on the organic aerosol.

A method for the analysis of methyl dihydrojasmonate (MHDJ) in air particulate matter (PM1 and PM2.5) is described for the first time. This fragrance is determined together galaxolide (HHCB). Airborne particles were collected by filtration of air volumes between 100 and 1000 m3. Recovery efficiencies of filter extraction with Soxhlet and pressurized liquids were evaluated. The method included reaction with BSTFA:TMCS for generation of trimethylsilyloxy derivatives which prevented deleterious effects in the gas capillary column by interaction of hydroxyl groups from air constituents other than these fragrances. This step avoided the use of additional clean up methods such as liquid column chromatography affording direct quantification by GC-EI-MS. The proposed method had enough sensitivity for quantification of these fragrances in indoor and outdoor environmental samples using small aliquots of the PM extracts, e.g. 2.5%, and therefore saving sample material for eventual determination of other compounds. The detection limits were 0.03 ng and 0.01 ng for MHDJ and HHCB, respectively.Both MHDJ and HHCB were predominantly found in the smallest PM fraction analyzed (<0.5 μm). The outdoor concentrations were highest in busy urban streets. However, indoor levels in school classrooms and subway stations were one order of magnitude higher than those observed outdoor. This difference was consistent with the use of these compounds as additives in cleaning and personal care products and the small dispersion of these fragrances in indoor environments. Information on the occurrence of this and other fragrances is needed to increase the understanding on the influence of anthropogenic activities in the formation of organic aerosols and source apportionment.