Proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry investigations of phthalate esters via direct headspace sampling

One of the most common environmentally relevant groups pollutants are phthalate esters. After decades industrial use, they have become ubiquitous in environment and analytical methods to chemically detect them trace amounts required. In this study, details Proton Transfer Reaction-Mass Spectrometry (PTR-MS) investigations for reactions phthalic acid ten esters with H3O+ as a function reduced electric field presented. A characteristic product ion observed several is protonated anhydride (m/z 149.02, C8H5O3+). However, not all phthalates investigated study fragment produce following proton transfer. For alkyl diester phthalates, loss corresponding alcohol results main ion, but its abundance decreases increasing chain length, whilst comparison dialkyl ester increases length field. Collisional induced dissociation drift tube PTR-MS shown be useful means manipulate underlying chemistry, leading unique ions distinctive phthalates. The reported work represent wealth new data that will use developing method quick, selective reliable identification environment.