Detection of geometrical isomers by fractional sublimation in a mass spectrometer

Abstract

The integrated ion-current curves obtained at specific m/e values when samples are evaporated into the ion source of a mass spectrometer have been shown to exhibit fine structure when the samples contain a mixture of isomers. In some cases the integrated ion-current peaks due to two isomers may be completely resolved. The technique has been applied to molecules exhibiting different types of isomerism. It has been shown to be possible to detect the presence of the carcinogenic polycyclic hydrocarbon benzo[a]pyrene in the presence of biologically less-active isomers.