Comprehensive analytical procedures for the determination of volatile and non-volatile, polar and non-polar N-nitroso compounds.

The first comprehensive analytical procedures for the quantitative analysis of N-nitroso compounds are described. The scheme divides N-nitroso compounds into four major, overlapping categories: volatile (Class I), non-volatile, low polarity (Class II), non-volatile, non-ionic, high polarity (Class III) and non-volatile, ionic, high polarity (Class IV). Existing analytical techniques for each class of compound are integrated into an organized and logical sequence of analysis to allow all classes of compounds to be determined. TEA-GC is used for the volatile compounds and TEA-HPLC for the non-volatile. It is emphasized that the coincidence of retention time in either TEA-GC alone or TEA-HPLC alone cannot be taken as sufficient evidence for the identification of N-nitroso compounds, especially for samples from complex matrices. Independent techniques are required to confirm these results. The confirmatory techniques used frequently in our laboratory are: (1) spectroscopic analysis (IR, NMR, UV and MS), (2) formation and identification of derivatives, and (3) parallel TEA-GC/TEA-HPLC techniques. These procedures are now used at Thermo Electron for the comprehensive screening of environmental samples.