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.

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