On-line analysis of secondary ozonides from cyclohexene and D-limonene ozonolysis using atmospheric sampling townsend discharge ionization mass spectrometry

An on-line technique has been developed for analysis of gas-phase oxidation products formed in a reaction flow tube using different reaction times, concentrations and humidities. Products of ozonolysis, including thermally labile secondary ozonides (SOZ), were directly introduced into an atmospheric sampling townsend discharge ionization (ASTDI) source coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (MS). Instant changes in the product composition were monitored in the total-ion chromatogram, or by fragment ions in the collision activated dissociation mass spectra by use of MS/MS scan techniques. Assignment of the individual ions was accomplished by inspection of the products’ mass spectra obtained by pre-concentration of the gas phase on a dedicated short column followed by chromatographic analysis. The observed reaction products correspond to those identified with other techniques. Of relevance for future mechanistic modelling, is the point that conditions of excess D-limonene favoured the formation of the D-limonene SOZ (major product), which was observed to be quite stable in dry and humid air, without oxidants. The D-limonene/ozone ratio was observed to be crucial for the stability of the SOZ, because it is prone to ozonolysis, and no SOZ could be detected in completely reacted 1:1 mixtures.