Which analytical method is most commonly used for aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons?

The most commonly used analytical method for aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons is gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). This technique is highly effective for analyzing complex mixtures of organic compounds. GC allows for the separation of volatile substances based on their vaporization properties, while mass spectrometry provides precise identification and quantification based on the molecular weight of the compounds, making it particularly suitable for detecting trace levels of hazardous chemicals in environmental and occupational samples.

Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry is favored for its sensitivity and specificity when analyzing compounds that have low vapor pressures and varying molecular weights, such as aromatic compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylenes) and halogenated compounds (e.g., chlorinated solvents). The combination of these two powerful techniques enables the identification of individual compounds in a mixture, and because mass spectrometric detection is highly sensitive, it can reliably measure very low concentrations of these hazardous substances.

Other methods listed, like flame ionization detectors, X-ray fluorescence, and inductively coupled plasma, serve different purposes or have limitations regarding the classes of compounds they effectively analyze, making them less suitable for aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons specifically.