Screening analysis of RoHS directive hazardous substances (phthalate esters and bromodiphenyl ethers) by novel mass spectrometry using soft ionization

Abstract

In 2013, the European Union expanded the list of hazardous substances contained in the RoHS Directive. In addition, certain phthalate esters, such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), will be categorized as RoHS-prohibited substances starting from July 2019. Although pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) is a promising analytical method for the screening of phthalate esters, we have developed a novel soft-ionization MS method that is quantitative as well as faster and more convenient for this purpose. The sample was measured three times, after providing the calibration curve using a powdery standard material of SPEX. The data collection time is 5 min, and continuous measurements are completed within 8 min per sample. The mass spectrum was corrected by dividing the intensity by the sample weight. For the coefficient of variation, DBP was 2.9%, BBP was 3.4%, DEHP was 3.6%, and good reproducibility was observed. Precise analyses of phthalate esters using traditional methods can require solvent extraction times of up to 24 h as well as special techniques. Therefore, a screening method that can be easily carried out by anyone within ten minutes is very attractive.

Proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry investigations of phthalate esters via direct headspace sampling

“…Mass spectrometry-based techniques are some of the most commonly used, 15 either with a chromatographic front-end separation, 16,17,18 or without. 19,20,21,22,23 One type of analytical technology that does not commonly use chromatographic separation, and hence can be used in real time is direct injection mass spectrometry (DIMS), 24 of which Proton Transfer Reaction-Mass Spectrometry (PTR-MS) is a commonly used technique. 25 PTR-MS has found use in a broad range of analytical fields and applications, spanning from environmental analysis, to food science, atmospheric chemistry, health science, and homeland security.…”