Analysis of tensides in complex samples with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Multidimensional gas-chromatographical analysis of various tensides of natural or synthetic origin in cosmetic products is demonstrated. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry allows the qualitative and quantitative determination of alkyl polyglucosides (AG), fatty alcohol ethoxylates (FAEO), fatty alcohol sulfates (FAS), fatty alcohol ether sulfates (FAES) and cocamidopropyl betaines (CAPB) in shower gel and cleaning agents. The samples were aliquoted in two parts. The first part was silylated, diluted and analysed; then, in order to detect anionic tensides (FAES, FAS) too, the second aliquot was hydrolysed before being silylated for analysis. Because of their amphoteric character, the betaines can only be analysed by gas chromatography after thermal decomposition in the injector, which leads to the corresponding amidoamines among other products.