The analysis of linear and monomethylalkanes in exhaled breath samples by GC x GC-FID and GC-MS/MS

A new arrangement of the INCAT (inside needle capillary adsorption trap) device with Carbopack X and Carboxen 1000 as sorbent materials was applied for sampling, preconcentration and injection of C-6-C-19 n-alkanes and their monomethyl analogs in exhaled breath samples. For the analysis both GC MS/MS and GC x GC-FID techniques were used. Identification of the analytes was based on standards, measured retention indices and selective SRM transitions of the individual isomers. The GC-MS/MS detection limits were in the range from 2.1 pg for n-tetradecane to 86 pg for 5-methyloctadecane. The GC x GC-FID detection limits ranged from 19 pg for n-dodecane to 110 pg for 3-methyloctane. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.