Determination of 4-nitrocatechol in biodegradation samples by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

4-Nitrocatechol was identified as a product of transformation of 4-nitrophenol by bacterial strain Corynebacterium sp.8/3 using direct acetylation of biodegradation samples by acetic anhydride followed by GC-MS analysis. The identity of 4-nitrocatechol, in the form of diacetate, was confirmed by electron-impact spectra and spectra recorded under chemical ionization conditions (positive and negative modes). Negative-ion chemical ionization was used for quantification of 4-nitrocatechol in biodegradation samples in a concentration range of 1-25 mg/l.