Fresenius' Journal of Analytical Chemistry

, Volume 342, Issue 1–2, pp 183–185 | Cite as

Determination of airborne methyl ethyl ketone peroxide

  • Pirkko Pfäffli
Original Papers Environmental Analysis
Received:

Summary

A new method for the determination of airborne methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) is based on the reaction of peroxides with 4-tert-butyl catechol, in which the peroxide radicals oxidize the catechol to the corresponding benzoquinone. The yellow colour generated is measured at 395 nm. Sampling from factory air can be performed by aluminium oxide sampling tubes. Glacial acetic acid is used as a solvent and for the desorption of the peroxide from the aluminium oxide. The detection limit (0.05 mg/m3 for 4 h samples) for the MEKP in air is well below the current hygienic reference value (1.5 mg/m3). The method was used for MEKP determinations during lamination applications in the production of reinforced unsaturated polyester plastics, where the airborne concentrations of the peroxide were well below the current hygienic reference values.

Keywords

Peroxide Benzoquinone Lamination Catechol Glacial Acetic Acid 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1992

Authors and Affiliations

  • Pirkko Pfäffli
    • 1
  1. 1.Institute of Occupational HealthHelsinkiFinland

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