The properties of carbonaceous adsorbents (graphitized carbon black an
d Karbokhrom B) in concentrating p-xylene from the air are investigate
d. The better results are obtained with Karbokhrom B. A simple chromat
ographic method is proposed for the determination of p-xylene traces i
n the air. The method is based on preconcentration of p-xylene directl
y in a short analytical column with Karbokhrom B at ambient temperatur
e with subsequent thermal desorption and separation from the concomita
nt compounds in the same column with temperature programming.