Trace analysis of N-nitrosoureas by their alkylating activity.

N-Nitrosoureas can be analysed indirectly by gas chromatography with chemoluminescence detection after reaction of the corresponding diazoalkanes with the scavenger reagent N-nitroso-N-tert-butylglycine. A lower determination limit of 2 ng N-methyl-N-nitrosourea per sample is achieved. The method is specific for N-nitroso compounds, which release nonpolar diazoalkanes upon alkaline treatment.