A simple method of qualitative analysis for musk ambrette, musk ketone and musk xylene in cologne.

Musk ambrette has become one of the commonest photosensitizers in many countries and is the cause of persistent light reactions in many patients. A simple method is presented for qualitative analysis for musk ambrette and other nitromusks in colognes using thin-layer chromatography with toluene as carrier solvent and visualization under UVL. It is useful for identifying such colognes so that proper recommendations can be given to patients sensitive to musk ambrette. 14 of 32 men's colognes, analysed by TLC and confirmed on GC/MS, were found to contain musk ambrette, the concentration varying from 0.02 to 0.39% w/v.