NEW DERIVATIZATION METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF -CHLORO-4(DICHLOROMETHYL)-5-HYDROXY-2(5H)-FURANONE IN WATER

An extremely potent mutagen, -chloro-4(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H) -furanone (MX) is commonly present in chlorinated drinking water. Due to its high mutagenic activity and according to World Health Organizat ion guidelines its concentration should be controlled in drinking wate rs. Determination of MX is difficult due to ppt levels at which the co mpound usually exists in drinking waters. Derivatization of MX with 2- propanol is presented as a method which significantly lowers the GC-MS detection level compared to other alcohol derivatization agents. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.