Depending upon the sampling technique and the analytical conditions, thermal desorption can be used to reliably sample analytes ranging in volatility from ethane to about tetracontane (n-CH). Incompatible compounds include:
* Many inorganic gases (although NO, HS and SF can be monitored using TD)
* Methane
* Compounds that are thermally unstable
* Compounds heavier than n-CH, didecyl phthalate or 6-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons boiling above 525 °C.