In-Solution Derivatization and Headspace Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for 56 Carbonyl Compounds in Tobacco Heating Products, Traditional Tobacco Products and Flavoring Capsules

Optimal derivatization conditions were established for the simultaneous determination of 12 aliphatic saturated aldehydes, 8 aliphatic saturated ketones, 4 cyclic ketones, 3 branched aldehydes, 1 branched ketone, 10 aliphatic unsaturated carbonyl compounds, 9 aromatic aldehydes, 4 dialdehydes and 5 diketones with 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl hydrazine (TFEH). The sample was adjusted to pH 6.0 in a headspace vial, saturated with sodium chloride, and allowed to react with TFEH at 90 degrees C for 40 min. The derivatives were vaporized and analyzed by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The limit of detection of carbonyl compounds was 0.0002 to 0.227 mg kg(-1) in samples, and the intra- and interday relative standard deviations were less than 20% at various concentrations for the developed method. A total of 35 carbonyl compounds were identified and quantified in 53 cigarette products. Total carbonyl compound content was detected at the highest concentration in traditional tobacco product capsules, followed by traditional tobacco products. Formaldehyde accounted for an average of 60% of the total carbonyl compounds. It has been demonstrated that MDA analysis can be a useful tool in differentiating tobacco product types.

Automated summary

An optimal derivatization method using 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl hydrazine (TFEH) was established for the simultaneous determination of 35 carbonyl compounds in 53 cigarette products, with formaldehyde being the most prevalent. This method can effectively differentiate between different types of tobacco products.