Analysis of Tabun and Related Compounds by Packed Capillary Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS)

摘要

This study represents the first application of packed capillary column liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) for the characterization of a munitions-grade chemical warfare agent, typical of what might be encountered during Canadian Forces (CF) sample collection. LC-ESI-MS was used for the direct analysis of nanogram quantities of tabun and eighteen related compounds in aqueous samples, extending the range of analytical options available to the researcher confronted with the identification of chemical warfare agents. Tabun and the related phosphates and pyrophosphates exhibited (M + H)(+), (M + H + ACN)(+) ions and/or protonated dimers that could be used to confirm the molecular mass of each compound. Product ions formed in the ESI interface were limited to those resulting from alkene loss from the alkoxy substituents (and their acetonitrile adducts). Additional product ion information were obtained following ESI-MS/MS analysis. The developed method appears to be an attractive alternative to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for the analysis of aqueous samples, since they may be analysed directly reducing the need for additional sample handling or derivatization steps.