Thin-layer chromatographic spray reagent for the screening of biological materials for the presence of carbaryl

Abstract

A spray reagent for the detection of the carbamate insecticide carbaryl was developed, consisting of 1% ammonium cerium (IV) nitrate in 20% v/v hydrochloric acid. This reagent reacts with the hydrolysis product of carbaryl, 1-naphthol, and forms a violet complex. Other carbamate insectides do not give similar coloured spots. Moreover, organophosphorus, organochlorine and pyrethroid insecticides and constituents of visceral extracts (amino acids, peptides, proteins, etc.) do not interfere. The sensitivity of the reagent is about 0.1 µg.