Analysis of benzophenone and 4-methylbenzophenone in breakfast cereals using ultrasonic extraction in combination with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS(n)).
Benzophenone (BP) and 4-methylbenzophenone (4MBP) are photo-initiators that are generally used to cure ink on carton boards. In this contribution, a fast and reliable method for the determination of BP and 4MBP in breakfast cereals is described. The sample was extracted ultrasonically using a mixture of dichloromethane and acetonitrile (1:1), followed by a clean-up of the extract using solid phase extraction with a silica cartridge. Finally, the extract was analysed by GC-MS(n). Benzophenone-d(10) was used as internal standard. The presented method is validated in terms of linearity, recovery, repeatability and intra-laboratory reproducibility, specificity, limit of detection and limit of quantification. In conclusion, this method is able to detect both BP and 4MBP at very low concentrations (LOD=2microg kg(-1)) in breakfast cereals.
Van Hoeck
E
E
Scientific Institute of Public Health, Department Food, Medicines and Consumer Safety, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium. els.vanhoeck@iph.fgov.be
De Schaetzen
T
T
Pacquet
C
C
Bolle
F
F
Boxus
L
L
Van Loco
J
J
D001577:Benzophenones / Q000032:analysis*; D002523:Edible Grain / Q000737:chemistry*; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D015394:Molecular Structure; D014465:Ultrasonics
D001577:Benzophenones; C047723:benzophenone; C549177:4-methylbenzophenone