Electron capture detector response to low electron affinity aromatic hydrocarbons using positive ion stabilization and alkyl chloride sensitization

The electron capture detector (ECD) response to numerous aromatic hydrocarbons of low electron affinity (EA) is shown to be detrimentally affected by two processes which compete with and typically overwhelm the electron capture reactions of these molecules. It is shown that the effects of these two undesired reactions can be eliminated by the permanent addition of trimethylamine and one of several alkyl monochlorides to the detector make-up gas. These modifications of the detector gas result in greatly increased sensitivity, increased linearity, and increased reproducibility of response. A kinetic model for the ECD responses of low EA resonance capture molecules is developed which appears to explain these improvements.