PTR-ToF-MS product ion distributions and humidity-dependence of biogenic volatile organic compounds
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10.1016/j.ijms.2018.05.003Metadata
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Kari, Eetu. Miettinen, Pasi. Yli-Pirilä, Pasi. Virtanen, Annele. Faiola, Celia L. (2018). PTR-ToF-MS product ion distributions and humidity-dependence of biogenic volatile organic compounds. International Journal of Mass Spectrometry, 430, 87-97. 10.1016/j.ijms.2018.05.003.Rights
Abstract
Quantitative proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS) measurements of ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) require proper calibration procedures. In particular, compound product ion distribution and humidity-dependent responses must be characterized. In this study, we generated twelve gas-phase terpenoid standards using a dynamic dilution system to calibrate the PTR-MS with time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS): six monoterpenes, two monoterpene derivatives, and four sesquiterpenes. The humidity-dependent response was characterized for three terpenoid compounds to compare different molecular structures: α-pinene, δ-limonene, and longifolene. We provide the first comprehensive summary of PTR-ToF-MS product ion distributions for twelve common biogenic volatile organic compounds using two different reduced electric field (E/N) values, 80 Td and 130 Td. Results demonstrated that neglecting to correct for individual product ion distributions of different terpenoid isomers can result in an error of up to 26% for reported mixing ratios. δ-Limonene and longifolene exhibited a small humidity-dependent response in the PTR-ToF-MS, but this did not contribute significantly to the overall measurement error. These results will improve quantification of commonly-measured biogenic volatile organic compound emissions and chemistry in the atmosphere.