Pyrolysis GC/MS, present and future (recent past and present needs)*

This article examines several recent advances in pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Selected aspects in the field are exemplified using original results. Only the pyrolysis component of Py-GC/MS is discussed, the GC/MS component being beyond the purposes of this article. New techniques used in Py-GC/MS are reviewed in the first part. The results obtained using an original technique, pyrolysis-SPME-GC/MS, are presented for cellulose. Also, the use of an internal standard in analytical pyrolysis is discussed. Regarding theoretical aspects of analytical pyrolysis, it is shown that the heating rate of most commercially available pyrolyzers is high enough for performing isothermal pyrolysis of polymers. One other aspect exemplified with original results is the preservation of certain stereochemical features from the parent compound to the pyrolytic fragments. Only one area regarding recent applications of Py-GC/MS is discussed in more detail, namely the analysis in pyrolysates of trace components related to health and environmental issues. The subject is exemplified with original work in analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic amines in pyrolysates. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep 13: 102–125, 2001