Fast Analysis of Alkylfurans by LPGC-MS

• 2.3x faster than conventional GC-MS analysis.
• Reduces helium usage by 72% compared to conventional GC-MS methods. 
• Rxi-624Sil MS kits are factory connected with a proven leak-free connector making LPGC as simple as a column change.

A known toxin in food products generated in heat or sterilization, alkylfurans are an important class of compounds in food safety testing. These potential carcinogens are a global health concern and are commonly analyzed by static headspace or solid phase microextraction coupled with GC-MS. Laboratories analyzing for alkylfurans in food products often work with a high volume of diverse sample types that can make conventional GC-MS analysis costly and time-consuming. Additionally, there are several critical separations that can be troublesome and difficult to resolve. 

We developed a novel method to significantly cut down on extended analysis times with our new Rxi-624Sil MS low-pressure GC (LPGC) column kit. This unique column setup lowers the pressure inside the column, allowing for drastic reductions in analysis time and helium usage. Analyzing eight common alkylfurans on the LPGC Rxi-624 Sil MS kit (cat.# 11804), analysis time was reduced from ~12 minutes to ~5 minutes compared to the conventional GC method (see Figure 1 below). Additionally, good resolution was achieved for the critical separations of 2-methylfuran and 3-methylfuran (Peak 2 and Peak 3) along with 2,3-dimethylfuran and 2,5-dimethylfuran (Peak 5 and Peak 6).

A simple column change can lead to significant gains for food safety labs analyzing a high volume of samples. Utilizing a LPGC column significantly reduces analysis time allowing for increased sample throughput while conserving helium. Each of our factory-coupled LPGC kits are individually tested, so you can have the assurance of a leak-free connection. To learn more about the LPGC technique, visit www.restek.com/lpgc

	Peaks	tR (30 m)	tR (LPGC)	Conc. (ppm)	Quan. Ion	Qual. Ion
1.	Furan	3.03	0.71	10	68	39
2.	2-Methylfuran	5.393	1.276	10	82	53
3.	3-Methylfuran	5.727	1.374	10	82	53
4.	2-Ethylfuran	8.072	2.172	10	81	96
5.	2,5-Dimethylfuran	8.208	2.23	10	95	81
6.	2,3-Dimethylfuran	8.515	2.357	10	95	81
7.	2-Butylfuran	11.21	4.199	10	81	124
8.	2-Pentylfuran	12.179	4.896	10	81	138

Column	See notes
Standard/Sample	Custom furans standard
Diluent:	Methanol (PT)
Conc.:	10 µg/mL
Injection
Inj. Vol.:	1 µL split (split ratio 100:1)
Liner:	Topaz, Precision inlet liner, 4.0 mm x 6.3 x 78.5 (cat.# 23305)
Inj. Temp.:	250 °C
Carrier Gas	He

Detector	MS
Mode:	SIM
Transfer Line Temp.:	280 °C
Analyzer Type:	Quadrupole
Source Temp.:	230 °C
Quad Temp.:	150 °C
Tune Type:	PFTBA
Ionization Mode:	EI
Instrument	Agilent 7890B GC & 5977A MSD
Sample Preparation	The sample was put in a 2 mL short-cap, screw-thread vial (cat.# 21143) and capped with a short-cap, screw-vial closure (cat.# 24495).
Notes	Conventional (30 m) Analysis: Column: Rxi-624Sil MS, 30 m, 0.25 mm ID, 1.4 µm (cat.# 13868) Temp. program: 35 °C (hold 3 min) to 75 °C at 8 °C/min to 280 °C at 25 °C/min (hold 5 min) Flow: 1.4 mL/min LPGC-MS Analysis: Column: LPGC Rxi-624Sil MS column kit, includes 10 m x 0.32 mm ID x 1.8 μm Rxi-624Sil MS analytical column and 5 m x 0.15 mm ID Rxi restrictor factory connected via SilTite connector (cat.# 11804) Temp. program: 35 °C (hold 1 min) to 75 °C at 16 °C/min (hold 0 min) to 280 °C at 35 °C/min (hold 5 min) Flow: 0.9 mL/min The injections were performed on different instruments under different head pressures, resulting in different analyte responses. A furan/alkylfurans standard (cat.# 33334) is now available.

Download PDF

Looking for furan/alkylfurans standards? A furan/alkylfurans multicomponent standard (cat.# 33334) is now available.