Detection of hydroperoxides in combustion aerosols by supercritical fluid extraction coupled to thin-layer chromatography

A simple method for separation of hydroperoxides from solid matrices using supercritical fluid extraction with on-line sample transfer to thin-layer chromatographic plates is presented. About 80% recovery is achieved for several thermally stable aromatic test compounds. For aliphatic hydroperoxides, up to 71% are found to be extracted with carbon dioxide and a solution of citric acid in methanol as a modifier. Application of the technique to the investigation of combustion aerosols is shown.