The potential of on-line headspace analysis of liquid streams using direct mass spectrometry detection

Abstract

In the past, headspace analysis has been employed, almost exclusively, in combination with gas chromatography. In this paper the on-line dynamic headspace analysis of liquid streams with direct mass spectrometry detection is described. The limits of detection for acetone and methyl iodide are 1 and 2 µg ml^–1, respectively. The relative standard deviations (n= 6) for the determination of a 100 µg ml^–1 concentration stream are 3.0 and 5.3% for acetone and methyl iodide, respectively.