Determination of 2-methylaziridine in workplace atmospheres

Abstract

A sampling and analytical procedure was developed for the monitoring of airborne 2-methylaziridine (MA). The analyte is collected by drawing air through a solution of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS). In situ derivatisation of MA with TNBS during sample collection provides stability to the highly reactive analyte and makes it amenable to a sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic determination with ultraviolet detection. The purified synthetic derivative of MA with TNBS is more suitable as a calibration standard than commercially available MA.