Abstract
ABSTRACT
The technique of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry preceded by trimethylsilyl derivatization has been applied to identify combustion byproducts from a premixed CH4/O2/N2 flame doped with dimethyl methylphosphonate, a simulant for organophosphorus chemical warfare agents. The following species or their derivatization products were detected: dimethyl methylphosphonate, methyl methyphosphonate, dimethyl phosphate, monomethyl phosphate, methylphosphonic acid, orthophosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, and phosphonic acid. Reference mass spectra are provided for three of these species. Tests indicate that mixtures of these species did not participate in interchange reactions during sampling and analysis. Remaining to be investigated are the fate of reactive compounds from the flame, the possibility of reactions other than interchange reactions, and the possibility of losses of stable compounds at various points in the sampling and analysis procedure.
Key words:
Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; derivatization; phosphorus
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