Detergents and Surfactants

M-Scan has extensive experience in the detailed characterisation of surface-active compounds, either singly, in mixtures or in finished products. Appropriate analytical procedures are selected to suit individual projects. These include Electrospray- Mass Spectrometry (ESMS), Fast Atom Bombardment Mass Spectrometry (FAB-MS), Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and Liquid Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry Detection (LC-MS).

• Positive ion ESMS or FABMS are equally well suited to the identification of cationic and amphoteric detergents, such as quaternary ammonium salts, N-oxides and sulphobetaines as well as non ionic detergents.
• Negative ion ESMS or FABMS are well suited to the identification of anionic detergents, such as alkylbenzene sulphonates and ether sulphates.
• MALDI-TOF MS is particularly suited to the identification of alkoxylated non-ionic detergents, such as alkylphenol ethoxylates, alcohol propoxylates and gasoline dispersants.
• LC-MS is particularly suited to the analysis of low levels of surfactants or where the sample has a complex matrix e.g. in environmental samples.

Analysis of detergent residues has been used in a wide range of industries including:

• Monitoring Cleaning Protocols in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Detection of gasoline lead replacement additive by negative ion ESMS and FAB MS.
• Analysis of soil and ground water samples for trace levels of toxic fluorinated sulphonate residues derived from fire fighting foams.

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RELATED TOPICS LC-MS Cleaning Validation Fast Atom Bombardment Mass Spectrometry (FABMS) Total Organic Carbon (TOC) MALDI-TOF MS Extractables and Leachables

DOWNLOADS Detergents and Surfactants Extractables & Leachables from Container / Closure Systems Cleaning Validation Studies M-Scan Brochure: Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Analysis (8pp.)