Detection techniques for air-borne isocyanates based on fluorescent derivatizing agents

Abstract

The high toxicity of isocyanate species in the workplace demands the development of sensitive techniques for the detection of isocyanates to protect workers from adverse health effects. To detect airborne isocyanate molecules in a workplace, several analytical techniques such as colorimetry, amperometry, capillary zone electrophoresis, high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence are reported in the literature. Among them, fluorescent probes due to their high sensitivity and selectivity grabbed special attention for the determination of the isocyanate group. This review primarily focused on fluorescent derivatizing agents (with amine and hydroxyl groups) available for the determination of isocyanates in the literature and also discussed about fluorescent polymers in non-derivatization mode for isocyanate estimation, which is less explored.