The determination of diethyl phthalate in cosmetic preparations

Abstract

As alternatives to simple hydrolysis and titration, three methods for the determination of diethyl phthalate in ethanolic preparations such as perfumes, lacquers, deodorants, varnishes and paints are described. A method suitable as a screening test for large numbers of samples involves the use of direct gas chromatography. Another method involves a simple clean-up of the sample followed by column chromatography and determination of the ester by its absorption in the ultraviolet. A further and more accurate method is based on hydrolysis of the ester and gravimetric determination of the phthalic acid after conversion to phthalanil.