[AtMyWitsEnd]

All,

I'm looking for some advice on how best to go about finding the full chemical composition of a grab air sample (for example, one collected in a passivated TO-15 container).   I'm dealing with an environmental issue where an irritating, gas-phase air contaminant has been bothering individuals at a particular location.   The only real information I have is that it is likely NOT an organic compound as a TO-15 analysis with library search didn't return results that were out of the ordinary.  Is GC/MS an option in this case?   I know it has been frequently applied to organic compound scans.  But the target compound is likely inorganic.   Any and all help is appreciated.   Thanks in advance!

[curiouscat]

I think we have some experts in environmental air sampling on the forum. You might be in luck.

[Illuminatus]

Hi AtMyWitsEnd,

If GC/MS does not end up working out for you, check out this government website, it contains a compendium of methods for the detection of inorganic compounds in ambient air. Perhaps you will find one that suits your resources.

http://www.epa.gov/ttnamti1/files/ambient/inorganic/iocompen.pdf.

[Stepan]

This is a commercial project, and my lab specialized in this kind of study. We hold all necessary accreditations. Contact me offline, and we will be able to pinpoint the source.

PS. TO-15 doesn't work for small molecules and inorganic