Multistep derivatization method for the determination of multifunctional oxidation products from the reaction of α-pinene with ozone

A novel three-step analytical method was developed which enables the simultaneous detection and identification of multifunctional oxygenated products resulting from the reaction of α-pinene with ozone. The method consists of the following steps: conversion of carbonyl groups to methyloximes using methyloxyamine, conversion of carboxylic acids to methyl esters using trimethylsilyldiazomethane (TMSD), and conversion of alcohols to trimethylsilyl ethers using N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA). The derivatization procedure at each stage was optimized yielding the appropriate amount of derivatization reagent, reaction temperature and time. The newly developed analytical procedure manages without processes of extraction and evaporation to dryness at any stage. Total time for sample analysis is short ca. 3 h. The characteristic ions of derivatives and common pattern for ion fragmentation in capillary gas chromatography electron impact mass spectrometry (GC–EI–MS) analysis were elucidated and discussed.