Nitrosamines

Importance of the Topic

Trace-level nitrosamines are potent carcinogens commonly found in environmental samples, industrial effluents, and drinking water. Reliable analysis of these compounds is critical for regulatory compliance and health risk assessment.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note demonstrates a gas chromatographic method for separating and identifying nine basic aromatic nitrosamines. The goal is to achieve baseline resolution of each analyte in a single run, ensuring accurate quantification at concentrations down to 200 µg/mL.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The study employs a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID). Separation is conducted on an Agilent VF-17ms capillary column (50% phenyl–methylpolysiloxane, 0.25 mm × 30 m, 0.25 µm film thickness) using helium as the carrier gas at 70 kPa. The oven program ramps from 50 °C to 300 °C at 10 °C/min. Samples (1 µL) are injected in split mode (1:100).

Main Results and Discussion

The optimized conditions yield clear resolution of nine nitrosamines: N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosomethylethylamine, N-nitrosodiethylamine, N-nitrosopyrrolidine, N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine, N-nitrosomorpholine, N-nitrosopiperidine, N-nitrosobutylamine, and N-nitrosodiphenylamine. Retention times are reproducible, and peak shapes are sharp, minimizing coelution risks. Linearity is confirmed across the tested concentration range.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Robust separation of structurally similar nitrosamines in a single analysis.
• High sensitivity and reproducibility suitable for environmental monitoring and quality control in pharmaceuticals.
• Straightforward method setup with a common GC–FID configuration.

Future Trends and Applications

Advances may include coupling with mass spectrometric detection for enhanced selectivity at lower detection limits. Emerging stationary phases and faster temperature programming could shorten run times while maintaining resolution. Integration into automated sampling systems can support high-throughput screening in water safety and industrial hygiene.

Conclusion

The presented GC–FID method on a VF-17ms column offers a reliable, reproducible, and efficient approach for analyzing basic aromatic nitrosamines at trace levels. It fulfills regulatory requirements and can be adapted for routine environmental and industrial applications.