A device for continuous isotope ratio monitoring following fluorine based chemical reactions

摘要

An apparatus and method for measuring the isotope ratio of samples containing carbon and nitrogen compounds. The method includes steps of (a) adding a sample containing carbon or nitrogen compounds to a sample introduction component in which a mixture of analytes is separated into specific molecules, and wherein said sample introduction comprises means for continuous sample introduction into a chemical reaction interface (CRI); wherein said CRI converts intact carbon and nitrogen analytes into new element-specific compounds in an environment comprising fluorine to resolve said compounds; and (b) calculating the isotope ratio of the compounds of said sample with mass spectrometer capable of making precise isotopic measurements. The reactant gas in the reaction chamber is a fluorine gas which allows for better resolution and calculation of the isotope ratio of carbon and nitrogen compounds, with hydrogen, sulfur and oxygen-containing compounds.