Identification of acidic degradation products of chemical warfare agents by methylation with trimethylsilyldiazomethane and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Abstract Sensitive and reliable analysis of alkylphosphonic acids (APAs) 2-( N,N- dialkylamino)ethanesulfonic (SAs), the degradation products chemical warfare agents (CWAs), is one most important tasks for verification Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Unambiguous identification these chemicals required in a variety environmental matrices, including soil water. These with low volatility are very polar, efficient methylation methods their derivatization needed gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). In this study, conditions trimethylsilyldiazomethane (TMSDAM) were optimized rapid GC–MS screening. Optimized APAs SAs TMSDAM was compared diazomethane. The benzilic acid further silylation N -methyl- -( tert -butyldimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide. significance necessity cation exchange prior to tested on samples high inorganic background. A recommendation use method water aqueous extracts using given. robustness illustrated by successful from proficiency tests organized Organisation Prohibition Weapons.