Capillary gas chromatography with mass spectrometric and atomic emission detection for characterization and monitoring chlordimeform degradation in honey

Capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and capillary g-as chromatography-atomic emission detection have been successfully used to identify and monitor the main degradation products of chlordimeform. when this compound is initially present in honey. The analysis of laboratory-spiked honey samples over 28 weeks revealed the occurrence of two degradation products: 4-chloro-o-toluidine (1) and N-fonnyl-4-chloro-o-toluidine (111). During this period the concentration Of chlordimeform. decreased to 7.5% of its initial value; the concentration of compound I increased gradually whereas compound M was present in a larger proportion and reached a maximum around the 14th week. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.