Isotope ratio mass spectrometric method for the on-line determination of oxygen-18 in organic matter

A method for the on-line determination of oxygen-18, at a naturally occurring level, in organic material is presented. After pyrolysis of the samples to form carbon monoxide, which is performed at 1300 degrees C in a vitreous carbon tube, the pyrolysis products are transported by a stream of helium gas. Using an open split, a small part of the effluent is transferred to the ion source of an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. The ratio is obtained from a measurement of the ion current intensities at m/z 30 and 28 (12C18O and 12C16O). The method was tested with the secondary water standard GISP (Greenland Ice Sheet Precipitation) and the carbonate standard NBS 19. The values obtained were -24.8/1000 and 27.3/1000 vs. VSMOW (Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water) (LAEA reference values are -24.8/1000 and 28.7/1000 vs. VSMOW). The potential of the method was demonstrated by measuring the 18O content of samples of beet and cane sucrose and also samples of vanillin extracted from vanilla pods or of synthetic origin.