Analysis, characterization, and purification: requirements for toxicological evaluation of 1,4-dithiane.

1,4-Dithiane is an organo-sulfur chemical associated with production and storage of munitions. Toxicological evaluation of this chemical was scheduled in rats because of the paucity of such information. Prerequisite for the evaluation was the development of gas chromatographic procedures using flame ionization detection to determine the purity of the test chemical and to certify the concentration and stability of the chemical in the dosage form, sesame oil. Mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry procedures are described for assessing the structural character and purity of the test chemical. A procedure for the purification of the test chemical and data concerning its solubility in various solvents are also presented.