Selective Quenchofluorometric Detection of Fluoranthenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract

The phenomenon of fluorescence quenching was used for selective HPLC detection of fluoranthenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Termed a “Quenchofluorometric” detection system, it employs a filter fluorimeter or spectrofluorimeter and nitromethane in the mobile phase as the fluorescence quenching reagent. Chromatograms obtained with and without the quenching reagent are compared for PAH standards, a coal tar extract, and a shale oil sample. The quenchofluorometric detection system provides an inexpensive method to achieve selective detection for fluoranthenic PAH as a group.