GC-MS Analysis of Primary Aromatic Amines Originated From Azo Dyes in Commercial Textile or Leather Products Using Helium Alternative Carrier Gases.

Background: In recent years, due to the global shortage of helium gas, the development of gas chromatography (GC) analytical methods using alternatives to helium carrier gases is necessary.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the applicability of hydrogen and nitrogen as alternative carrier gases using the test method for azo compounds in the Act on Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances of Japan.

Method: The gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analytical method using hydrogen and nitrogen as alternative carrier gases was compared with a method using helium for 26 primary aromatic amines (PAAs) originated from azo dyes.

Results: When hydrogen and nitrogen were used as carrier gases under the same conditions used during analysis using helium (same column, gas flow rate, oven temperature conditions, etc.), sufficient peak separation of 26 PAAs was obtained. The sensitivities of the methods using helium and hydrogen were comparable, whereas the sensitivity was lower when nitrogen was used, with the detection limits ranging from 1/220 to 1/25. However, all carrier gases achieved quantification at concentrations below the standard value (30 μg/g) of the Act on Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances, and the results were in agreement with the standard value for the target product.

Conclusions: Our results indicated that hydrogen or nitrogen can be used as alternative carrier gases to helium for GC-MS analysis of azo compounds producing specific aromatic amines.

Highlights: Using hydrogen or nitrogen as an alternative carrier gas to helium, azo compounds could be quantified with excellent accuracy.