http://dx.doi.org/10.4322/sc.2012.010

 

Gas chromatography – mass spectrometry as a highly selective tool to characterize chemical fossils in petroleum

Stashenko, Elena E.; Martínez, Jairo R.

Palavras-chave: Gas chromatography, GC-MS, tandem mass spectrometry, SIM, MRM, biomarkers.

Resumo Petroleum molecular fossil (biomarker) determination constitutes a formidable analytical challenge, because it demands detecting and quantifying specific trace-level molecules within highly complex hydrocarbon mixtures. This article highlights certain results of importance to organic geochemistry, which have been possible thanks to the use of mass spectrometry as a highly sensitive and selective detection system, in conjunction with the high resolution provided by one-dimensional or comprehensive (GC × GC) gas chromatography. Representative examples of recent biomarker studies in petroleum and environmental geochemistry have been selected.


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