Modified headspace solid-phase microextraction for the determination of quantitative relationships between components of mixtures consisting of alcohols, esters, and ethers - impact of the vapor pressure difference of the compounds.

The quantitative relationship between analytes established by the headspace solid-phase microextraction procedure for multicomponent mixtures depends not only on the character and strength of interactions of individual components with solid-phase microextraction fiber but also on their vapor pressure in the applied headspace solid-phase microextraction system. This study proves that vapor pressure is of minor importance when the sample is dissolved/suspended in a low-volatility liquid of the same physicochemical character as that of the used solid phase microextraction fiber coating. It is demonstrated for mixtures of alcohols, esters, ethers and their selected representatives by applying a headspace solid-phase microextraction system composed of Carbowax fiber and sample solutions in polyethyleneglycol. The observed differences in quantitative relations between components of the examined mixtures established by their direct analysis and by modified headspace solid-phase microextraction are insignificant (Fexp  < Fcrit ). It is explained by a significant diminution in vapor pressure difference between individual components of the examined mixture in the applied headspace solid phase microextraction system due to low components concentration in polyethyleneglycol suspensions (Raoult's law) and due to strong specific interactions of analyte molecules with polyethyleneglycol molecules.