N-Butyl acetate and its isomers – isobutyl acetate and sec-butyl acetate Determination in workplace air

Abstract

n-Butyl acetate and its isomers, isobutyl acetate and sec-butyl acetate, are colorless, flammable liquids with a fruity odour. Because of their physicochemical properties they are commonly used as organic solvents and compounds of solvent mixtures in various industries. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a method for determining concentrations of n-butyl acetate, isobutyl acetate and sec-butyl acetate in workplace air. The determination method is based on the adsorption of n-butyl acetate and its isomers on activated charcoal (100/50 mg sections), desorption with carbon disulfide and the analysis of the resulting solution with gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). A capillary column with HP-FFAP (50 m × 0.32 mm, i.d. × 0.50 μm film thickness) was used. The method is linear within the working range from 0.24 mg/ml to 4.8 mg/ml, which is equivalent to air concentrations from 24 to 480 mg/m3 for a 10-L air sample. The analytical method described in this paper enables selective determination of analytes in workplace air in presence of coexisting substances. The method is precise, accurate and it meets the criteria for procedures for measuring chemical agents listed in Standard No. EN 482. The method can be used for assessing occupational exposure to n-butyl acetate, isobutyl acetate and sec-butyl acetate and associated risk to workers’ health. The developed method of determining n-butyl acetate and its isomers (isobutyl acetate, sec-butyl acetate) has been recorded as an analytical procedure (see appendix).