Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-field ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-FI-TOFMS) for detailed hydrocarbon middle distillate analysis

- High chromatographic separation power combined with accurate molecular masses.
- Demarcation of elution boundaries of hydrocarbon types and carbon numbers.
- Sample boiling range currently limited by adsorption effect.

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled on-line to field ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry has been used for the detailed characterization of a crude oil distillation fraction. The accurate molecular mass information provided by field ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry is useful in GCxGC method development as it allows the determination of the elution boundaries of hydrocarbon types and carbon numbers.

256