| Abstract: | A method is described for the analysis of small amounts of hydrazine in maleic hydrazide formulations. Following derivative formation with pentafluorobenz-aldehyde, the pentafluorobenzaldehyde azine was extracted with hexane and determined by gas-liquid chromatography with electron-capture detection. Recoveries of 72-80% were obtained from samples fortified with 1 and 10 μg of hydrazine. The limit of detection was 0.05 mg kg?1. Fourteen commercial formulations with maleic hydrazide concentrations ranging from 180-360 g litre?1 were investigated. The hydrazine content of the maleic hydrazide used in these formulations ranged from less than 0.05 to 53 mg kg?1. During the storage of two samples at 50°C for 10 weeks, the hydrazine contents increased from 2.2 to 124 and 0.4 to 54 mg litre?1, respectively. |
