Quantification of heavy perfluorinated organics by mass spectrometry

A general approach for the determination of the concentration of perfluorocarbons and perfluoropolyether fluids, oils, and lubricants in Freon-113 (C 2 F 3 Cl 3 ) by mass spectrometry was developed. The mode of injection into the ion source, namely, via a gas chromatograph or by means of direct probe under particular temperature conditions was selected depending on the properties of the compounds to be analyzed. Chemical ionization in the plasma of isobutene reagent gas was applied. To enhance the sensitivity, selected negative ions were scanned. The ions were chosen by their maximal intensity and least interference. As an example of using the method, the results of analysis of Freon solutions with perfluorocarbon lubricant UPI, perfluoropolyether fluids PFPE-180 and PFPE-240, and also Freon solutions prepared by the extraction of perfluoroorganic species from hydrolyzed uranium hexafluoride solutions are presented. The linear character of the obtained calibration functions indicated the potency of the quantitative determination with a detection limit of 0.1 μg/mL.