Objective: To establish a rapid gas chromatographic method for determination of P-tert-Butyl toluene in the air of workplace.
Methods: The air samples were collected by syringes, injected directly to the GC system, and then separated by a FFAP capillary column (30m x 0.53mm x 0.25 microm), finally determined by a Flame Ionization Detector.
Results: This method showed good linear correlation within a range of 0 - 320 microg/ml, with regression formula Y = 26437 + 4836X, r = 0.9994. The air sample could be stably stored in the syringe for 5 hours. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of repeated injection of P-tert-butyl toluene standard solutions at three concentration levels by six times was 0.65% - 1.98%. The minimum detectable concentration was calculated to be 1.12 mg/m3. Other volative organic solvents, e. g., M-tert-butyltoluene, ethyl acetate, methylethyl ketone, O-tert-butyl toluene, toluene, O-xylene are not interferences.
Conclusion: This method meets the requirement of "Guide for establishing occupational health standards--Part 4: Determination methods of air chemicals in workplace". It is applicable for determination of P-tert-butyl toluene in the air of workplace.