I am working with some materials which are Mn+7 doped silicas. The intended purpose is that these materials will neutralize the odors associated with sulfides and mercaptans. What I've found analyzing by GCMS with SPME sampling is that loading the material with propyl mercaptan the mercaptan is promptly converted to propyl disulfide - which also probably has an odor problem. The contractor who does the Mn+7 doping claims that the mercaptans should be converted to sulfonic acids.

So, my question is how to analyze for the presence of propanesulfonic acid. LC or GC, any suggestions?

Thanks,

Mike

I might even try complexing with a UV-absorbing cationic surfactant (like in ion-pairing) such as benzethonium chloride, and assaying the complex by RP with UV detector.