A fully computer automated triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was used to determine 10 sulfur containing gases from oil shale pyrolysis. The gases were present in concentrations ranging from tens of percent to less than 0.1 ppM. The TQMS was found to be the only instrument available with the required speed (10 gases determined in 600 ms), dynamic range (10/sup 7/) and ability to analyze for a wide range in concentration with only a single standard. This paper describes work done with organic and inorganic spikes added to raw shales and to acid treated shales. The sulfur containing organic spikes were chosen based on their sulfur group functionality to see if they would aid in determining which sulfur functional groups in the oil shale kerogen produce various sulfur gases.