Identification of synthetic dyes in early colour photographs using capillary electrophoresis and electrospray ionisation–mass spectrometry

Capillary electrophoresis with photodiode array detection (CE-PDA) and with electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry (CE-ESI-MS) was used for the separation and the identification of 23 synthetic organic dyes, among those used in early 20th century colour photographs such as autochromes. Both cationic and anionic dyes could be separated within 15min using a single CE-PDA method. The method was used as the basis to develop a CE-ESI-MS methodology through the optimisation of the relevant ESI and MS parameters. Sheath liquid composition, nebulising gas pressure, drying gas flow rate and drying gas temperature were found to influence the sensitivity of the detection. These parameters were optimised in positive and negative ion modes for cationic dyes and anionic dyes, respectively. The two analyses could be carried out successively on a single sample. In view of the application to cultural heritage objects, the CE-ESI-MS analytical procedure was applied to identify the dyes in a Filmcolor artefact, late version of the autochrome. The results complemented and enhanced current knowledge as four cationic dyes and three anionic dyes were identified. Four additional dyes are proposed as possibly present as traces. [Display omitted] •Synthetic dyes used in early 20th century colour photographs such as autochromes were analysed.•Twenty three cationic and anionic dyes were separated in a single short analysis using CE-PDA.•Two CE-ESI-MS methods (+ and − ionisation mode) were developed for opposite charged dyes.•Increased sensitivity and resolution was achieved for the identification with CE-ESI-MS.•CE-ESI-MS2 was successful in identifying the dyes in a historic early colour photograph artefact.