Characterization of chlorinated compounds using a dual chlorine-selective pulsed discharge emission...

The Cl-selective pulsed discharge emission detector (Cl-PDED) response is dependent only upon the Cl content, irrespective of the molecular structures of the compounds. This provides a simple, fast quantitative method of analysis for chlorinated compounds. The response of the helium-pulsed discharge photoionization detector (He-PDPID) is a function of the molecular structure and the number of photoionizable electrons using the He2 band at 13.5-17.5 eV. The ratio of the responses of the two detectors is independent of concentration and can be used to characterize the Cl-containing compounds along with the retention time, or the ratio can be used as evidence for coelution. The dual Cl-PDED-He-PDPID detector system is a useful tool for peak identification. The effect of coeluting hydrocarbons on the Cl-PDED response was evaluated by spiking a gasoline sample with US Environmental Protection Agency mixture 502. All Cl-PDED responses were greater than 90% of the response in the absence of the hydrocarbons.