Analysis of fuels via easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry

The desorption and ionization of analytes directly from surfaces or natural matrices under ambient conditions has greatly simplified chemical analysis by mass spectrometry. Among the currently available set of such techniques, easy ambient sonic-spray ionization (EASI) is one of the simplest and most easily implemented. Fuels are among the most important and most complex classes of chemical mixtures and a challenge for fast and comprehensive chemical analysis. This review summarizes the applications of EASI-MS for fast, simple and nearly sample-preparation-free analysis of various fuels, focusing in typification, adulteration and quality control. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.