Description:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
<jats:p> An electron attachment ion source was modified in order to be used for quantitative measurement of pure organic substances at pressures up to 1.5 ·10<jats:sup>-3</jats:sup> Torr in the space around the ion source. The ion intensity was determined by counting the electron pulses produced by single ions in the secondary electron multiplier. This resulted in higher sensitivities. The measurements of different organic compounds showed that molecular polymers are held together primarily by hydro-gen bonding and by dipole interaction. No molecular polymers could be identified in nonpolar substances. The pressure dependence of the ion intensities indicates that the molecular polymers originate from the gas phase of the reservoir. During the ionization process the hydroxide loses its hydrogen atom as was shown with deuterated samples.</jats:p>