Development of Novel Mass Spectrometric Methodology for Mixture Analysis: Studies of p-Benzynes\u27 Reactivity in Solution and Gas-Phase

Mass spectrometry has evolved to be an indispensable analytical tool for identification of unknowns and molecular analysis of complex mixtures. The integration of high resolution mass spectrometry, gas-phase ion-molecule reactions, and collision-activated dissociation (CAD) techniques to mass spectrometers play vital role in structural elucidation of unknown molecules. In addition, the coupling of separation techniques, such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC), to the mass spectrometers enabled trace level analytes in complex mixtures. This dissertation focuses on the development of a positive mode atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) mass spectrometry method for analysis of lubricant base oils, and development and validation of a liquid chromatography-negative mode electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-(-)ESI-MS) method for analysis of glycerol in renewable diesel feedstock. In addition, the reactivity of a para-benzyne analog, 5,8-didehydroquinoline, was explored in solution and gas-phase, and the reaction products were characterized utilizing tandem mass spectrometry techniques