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Merck
  • Optimisation of sorbent trapping and thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometric conditions for sampling and analysis of hydrogen cyanide in air.

Optimisation of sorbent trapping and thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometric conditions for sampling and analysis of hydrogen cyanide in air.

The Analyst (2005-05-25)
Yannick Juillet, Sophie Le Moullec, Arlette Bégos, Bruno Bellier
ABSTRACT

Among the chemicals belonging to the schedules of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), sampling and analysis of highly volatile compounds such as hydrogen cyanide (HCN) require special consideration. The latter is present in numerous old chemical weapons that are stockpiled awaiting destruction in Northeastern France: thus, sampling on stockpile area and subsequent verification of HCN levels is compulsory to ensure safety of workers on these areas. The ability of several commercial sorbents to trap hydrogen cyanide at various concentration levels and in various humidity conditions, was evaluated. Furthermore, thermal desorption of the corresponding samples, followed by analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was also optimised. Carbosieve S-III, a molecular sieve possessing a very high specific area, proved the most efficient sorbent for HCN sampling in all conditions tested. Conversely, the presented results show that Tenax, albeit generally considered as the reference sorbent for air monitoring and analysis of CWC-related chemicals, is not suitable for HCN trapping.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Supelco
Carbosieve SIII, stainless steel TD tube, O.D. × I.D. × L 6 mm × 4 mm × 7 in., preconditioned, pkg of 1 ea
Supelco
Carbosieve Adsorbent, matrix Carbosieve G, 60-80 mesh, bottle of 5 g
Supelco
Carbosieve Adsorbent, matrix Carbosieve G, 80-100 mesh, bottle of 5 g
Supelco
Carbosieve Adsorbent, matrix Carbosieve S-III, 60-80 mesh, bottle of 10 g
Supelco
Carbosieve Adsorbent, matrix Carbosieve S-II, 60-80 mesh, bottle of 10 g
Supelco
Carbosieve Adsorbent, matrix Carbosieve S-II, 80-100 mesh, bottle of 10 g