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TSRC, Tob. Sci. Res. Conf., 2018, 72, abstr. 064 (also presented at CORESTA 2018)

Non-targeted analysis using gas chromatography mass spectrometry to evaluate stability of e-vapor products

CROSSWHITE M.; SHAH N.; NOE M.; SUAREZ C.; MILLER J.H. IV; PITHAWALLA Y.B.; GARDNER W.P.
Altria Client Services LLC, Richmond, VA, USA

In the newly regulated landscape of tobacco products there is an increasing need to fully characterize the chemical composition of aerosol in new products. Although aerosol from e-vapor products are considerably less complex than aerosols from Heat-Not-Burn (HNB) or mainstream smoke from cigarettes; there are still challenges that arise from the chemical composition of the matrix, variety of flavors used, and the potential for chemical interactions to occur during storage. There is additional complexity associated with efficiently collecting both volatile and semi-volatile compounds delivered in the aerosol from e-vapor products. We have developed an automated workflow for data analysis that includes mass spectral deconvolution, peak detection, library searching and reporting. Aerosol samples were collected using a 55 mm Cambridge filter pad (CFP) with a trailing impinger containing 10 mL of ethanol chilled to -70 °C, to ensure both volatile and semi volatile compounds are captured. Samples were analyzed on an Agilent GC/MS system (7890B with 5977A) using a Restek Stabilwax® GC column (30 meter x 0.25mm ID x 0.25μm film) with an infused 5 meter integra guard column. Our workflow includes both Agilent MassHunter Unknowns Analysis and AMDIS (Automated Mass Spectral Deconvolution and Identification System) software for identification of extraneous peaks. Identification of compounds not present in mass spectral libraries includes secondary analysis using high resolution mass spectrometry on a GC-OrbitrapTM with EI and CI ionization modes, allowing for the identification of molecular formulas within 5 ppm of mass accuracy. Compound identification was confirmed through the use of reference standards.