Identification and quantification of polyfunctionalized hopanoids by high temperature gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

► We describe an optimized high temperature GC method for analyzing functionalized hopanoids. ► Sample workup is faster and more efficient than conventional oxidative cleavage. ► Analytes up to hopane pentol can be separated in ca. 50 min at 350 °C. ► DB-XLB columns provide baseline separation of 2-methylhopanoids. ► Annotated mass spectra for 18 hopanoid structures are presented.