Trace analysis of Volatile Amine compounds in Water matrices

During the last Capillary symposium in Riva a poster was presented  on volatile amine analysis. Analysis of basic compounds is challenging as basic surface modification is required to elute these compounds. Additionally, the basis surface should not destabilize the polymer coating.   An advanced base deactivation technology has been made available several years ago by Restek corporation, where a new surface deactivation of fused silica was introduced. Such columns were commercialized under the names Rtx-5 amine and Rtx-35 amine.

Similar approach was taken for designing a more stable column for volatile amines, not only by increasing the film thickness, but also by creating a direct link with the (base) surface deactivation. Additionally the number of cross-links (bridges) between polymer chains was optimized to make the polymer keeps efficiency as low as temperatures of 40 ºC. The higher degree of cross-linking was incorporated to make the column more resistant for amine/water mixtures.

The column, named Rtx Volatile amines, was tested with a series of amine samples and water matrices, to demonstrate performance.