Semivolatile Organics Analysis Using an Agilent J&W HP-5ms Ultra Inert Capillary GC Column

Trace-level semivolatile organics analyses using methods such as USEPA Method 8270 are important tools for assessing environmental contaminants worldwide. The wide-ranging chemical diversity of target semivolatiles can prove chromatographically challenging. This application note demonstrates the benefits of using an Agilent J&W HP-5ms Ultra Inert Capillary GC column with electron impact single quadrupole scan-ning mass spectrometry for trace-level semivolatiles analysis. Agilent Technologies has implemented new testing procedures to more effectively evaluate GC column inertness performance. These new testing procedures employ deliberately aggressive probes to thoroughly investigate column inertness and quality. These aggressive probes, including 1-propionic acid, 4-picoline, and trimethyl phosphate, are used to verify each column's inertness performance