Determination of phthalate esters in distillates by ultrasound-vortex-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction (USVADLLME) coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Abstract

A method for the extraction of phthalate esters (PAEs) by Ultrasound-Vortex-Assisted Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Micro-Extraction (USVADLLME) approach was optimised and applied for the first time to a historical series of brandies. These contaminants are widely spread in the environment as a consequence of about half century of use in different fields of applications. The concern about these substances and the recent legal restrictions of China in distillates import need a quick and sensitive method for their quantification. The proposed method, moreover, is environmentally oriented due to the disposal of micro-quantities of solvent required. In fact, sub-ppm-limits of detection were achieved with a solvent volume as low as 160μL. The analysed samples were within the legal limits, except for some very ancient brandies whose contamination was probably due to a PAEs concentration effect as a consequence of long ageing and for the use of plastic pipelines no more operative.

Keywords: Benzyl butyl phthalate (PubChem CID: 2347); Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (PubChem CID: 8343); Brandy; Dibutyl phthalate (PubChem CID: 3026); Diisononyl phthalate (PubChem CID: 590836); Distillates; Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry; Phthalate esters; Ultrasound-Vortex-Assisted Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Micro-Extraction.