Determination of residues of the molluscicide trifenmorph and its breakdown product triphenylcarbinol: I.—Method

A procedure has been developed for the analysis of crops and soils for residues of trifenmorph (N-trityl-morpholine) molluscicide and its breakdown product triphenylcarbinol (TPC). Samples were extracted with 20% by vol. acetone in petroleum ether and the efficiency of the extraction was established using radiochemical techniques. The extracts were subjected to column chromatography on basic alumina columns to separate trifenmorph from the TPC. The residues were converted to trichloroethyl ether derivatives followed by clean-up by column chromatography on silica gel and analysis of down to 0·02 ng by gas-liquid chromatography. Blank values were generally 0·01–0·02 ppm, recoveries were on average about 80% and were limited to this value by the yield of the etherification reaction. The storage stability of the residues at —10°c was satisfactory.