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WARNING.
Mercury(II) salts and organomercurial compounds are toxic and many are soluble
in water. Protect skin and respiratory system when handling the materials. Do not
pour solutions of mercurial compounds down the drain. Precipitate the mercury as
sulphide and dispose of it safely.
OUTLINE OF METHOD
The organic matter is destroyed by wet oxidation and the mercury is determined
colorimetrically with dithizone.
REAGENTS
APPARATUS
Round-bottom flasks 500 ml with two necks fitted with condenser and condensate
trap in the vertical neck and a tap funnel in the angled neck
Separating funnels 250 ml
Volumetric flasks 200 ml
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MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES AND IMPURITIES
Note 1 Hydrogen peroxide can cause severe burns. Wear gloves and protect eyes
when handling. Wash any spillages with copious amounts of water.
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MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES AND IMPURITIES
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MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES AND IMPURITIES
OUTLINE OF METHOD
A known weight of sample is put into a glass measuring cylinder and its volume
measured. The cylinder is then raised and allowed to fall vertically through a
distance of 25 mm on to a rubber pad. The volume is measured again after 100
'taps'.
APPARATUS
PROCEDURE
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MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES AND IMPURITIES
The method is suitable for aqueous suspension concentrates (SC) which are
substantially diluted with water before use, and which contain only one suspended
active ingredient. In some cases the method may be extended to concentrates
containing two or more suspended active ingredients (see below).
Although the method gives reasonably consistent results, great care must be
exercised in the interpretation of the results as the relationship between the
measured spontaneity and the suitability or otherwise in field use, depends on the
application equipment and its degree of agitation.
OUTLINE OF METHOD
The method is broadly similar to that used to determine the suspensibility of
concentrates (MT 161), except that it employs only one inversion and a 5 min
standing time. It involves preparing 250 ml of a mixture of formulation and water,
mixed with only one inversion of the measuring cylinder. After standing under
defined conditions the top nine-tenths is removed, and the remaining tenth assayed
chemically, gravimetrically or by solvent extraction. The spontaneity of dispersion
is readily calculated.
REAGENTS
Standard Water C (see MT 18) or such other standard water as may be specified
Flocculating agent, e.g. 0.1% solution of Magnafloc R140 (required only if
gravimetric or solvent extraction procedures are adopted (Note 1)
Solvent suitable for the active ingredient in question (required only if the solvent
extraction procedure is adopted.)
APPARATUS
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MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES AND IMPURITIES
Glass suction tubes about 40 cm long, 5 mm i.d. drawn out at one end to 2-3 mm
i.d.
Extraction apparatus (required only if gravimetric or solvent extraction procedures
are adopted). Either (a) or (b).
(a) Centrifuge capable of 3000 rpm, and suitable for at least 50 ml tubes
(b) Filtration assembly consisting of a suction filter flask, together with either a
Buchner funnel or a sintered glass crucible, porosity P16 (pore size 10-16 µm)
PROCEDURE
Normally the whole procedure is carried out in duplicate. Homogenize the sample
by gently stirring (Note 2).
The standard water, measuring cylinder and sample to be used in the determination
should be equilibrated to the required temperature before starting the test.
Determine the density of the formulation (MT 3.3) and calculate the mass of
formulation equivalent to 12.5 ml (w g). Pour standard water (237.5 ml) at the
required temperature into the graduated cylinder and stand this on a top-pan
balance; add the calculated mass of formulation from a small beaker held so that
the lip is 1 cm above the top of the cylinder. Complete the addition within a time
limit of 15 s (Note 3).
As soon as the formulation has been added, stopper the cylinder and invert once
(Note 4). Stand the cylinder in an upright position on a bench free from vibration or
direct sources of heat for 5 min ± 10 s. At the end of this time, carefully remove the
stopper and withdraw the top 225 ml of suspension by means of the suction tube
connected to a reservoir and suitable pump. Carry out the operation in 10-15 s by
maintaining the tip of the tube just below the falling level of the suspension, care
being taken to minimize any disturbance of the suspension. Ensure that the tip of
the tube is always only a few mm below the surface of the suspension (Note 5).
The 25 ± 1 ml of dilute suspension remaining in the cylinder must be assayed in
one of the following ways:
(a) Chemically, by a method approved for the active ingredient being examined.
This is the preferred method and, if more than one insoluble active ingredient is
present, then it is the only acceptable method.
(c) Solvent extraction, by separating the solids as above (Note 6), extracting the
solvent-soluble portion into a suitable solvent, evaporating the resultant solution to
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MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES AND IMPURITIES
CALCULATION
Each of the three assay methods yields a mass: chemical assay gives the mass of
active ingredient, gravimetric assay the mass of water-insoluble solids, and solvent-
extraction the mass of solvent-soluble residue.
Irrespective of the assay method used, and irrespective of which of the above
masses is therefore obtained, the masses required in the calibration are as follows.
111 (c - Q)
Spontaneity of dispersion = %
c
REPORTING
Note 1 Magnafloc R140 is supplied by Allied Colloids Co, PO Box 36, Low
Moor, Bradford BD120J2, U.K.
Note 2 A crust of dry material sometimes forms inside the neck of suspension
concentrate containers. Care must be taken to ensure that particles do
not break away from this and contaminate the sample used for the
determination.
Note 3 It may be helpful to weigh the beaker plus formulation before and after
the addition to the water to make a check on the amount of sample
added to the water.
Note 4 To invert the cylinder, hold it with one hand at each end, insulated with
a cloth, and rotate it through 180° and back again, through an imaginary
fixed point midway between the hands. Ensure no bouncing occurs.
Each inversion should take 2 sec.
Note 5 It may be helpful to fit a rubber bung, larger than the cylinder mouth, as
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MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES AND IMPURITIES
The method is suitable for aqueous suspension concentrates (SC) which are
substantially diluted with water before use, and which contain only one suspended
active ingredient. In some cases the method may be extended to concentrates
containing two or more suspended active ingredients (see below). If the diluted
suspension contains more than 1% insoluble solids, accuracy may be reduced
because of hindered settling.
OUTLINE OF METHOD
The method is broadly similar to previously published methods for determining the
suspensibility of wettable powders (e.g. MT 15.1). It involves preparing 250 ml of
diluted suspension, allowing it to stand in a measuring cylinder under defined
conditions, and removing the top nine-tenths. The remaining tenth is then assayed
essayed either chemically, gravimetrically or by solvent extraction, and the
suspensibility calculated.
APPARATUS
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MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES AND IMPURITIES
Graduated cylinders conforming to ISO 4788 (BS 604). Glass stoppered, 250 ml
capacity (see Fig. 50).
Glass suction tubes about 40 cm long, 5 mm internal diameter, drawn out at one
end to 2 - 3 mm internal diameter.
Extraction apparatus required only if gravimetric or solvent extraction procedures
are adopted. Either (a) or (b).
(a) Centrifuge, capable of 3000 rpm, and suitable for at least 50 ml tubes.
(b) Filtration assembly consisting of a suction filter flask, together with either a
Buchner funnel or a sintered glass crucible, porosity P 16 (pore size 10 -16 µm)
REAGENTS
Standard Water C (see MT 18) or such other standard water as may be specified
Flocculating agent, e.g. 0.1% solution of Magnafloc R140 (required only if
gravimetric or solvent extraction procedures are adopted; (Note 1)
Solvent suitable for the active ingredient in question. Technical grade is
satisfactory. (Required only if the solvent extraction procedure is adopted.)
PROCEDURE
Normally the whole procedure is carried out in duplicate. Homogenize the sample
by gently stirring (Note 2).
The mass of sample to be taken is that required to make 250 ml of diluted
suspension, with the concentration recommended on the label. If a range of
concentrations is recommended, the highest and lowest should be used (Note 3).
The standard water, measuring cylinder and sample to be used in the determination
should be equilibrated at the required temperature. Place 100 ml of equilibrated
standard water in a 250 ml measuring cylinder. Weigh the required amount of
sample into a 50 ml beaker and transfer quantitatively to the cylinder with more
standard water, finally making up to 250 ml. Stopper the cylinder and invert 30
times (Note 4). Place the cylinder submerged to the neck in the water bath in an
upright position, free from vibration, and allow it to stand undisturbed for the
specified time (Note 5).
At the end of the time, remove the cylinder from the constant temperature bath,
quickly insert the glass tube into the cylinder, and by means of a vacuum pump and
suitable reservoir withdraw nine-tenths (225 ml) of the suspension. Carry out the
operation in 10-15 sec by maintaining the tip of the glass tube just below the falling
level of the suspension, care being taken to minimize any disturbance of the
suspension.
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MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES AND IMPURITIES
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MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES AND IMPURITIES
(a) Chemically, by a method approved for the active ingredient being examined.
This is the preferred method and, if more than one insoluble active ingredient is
present, then it is the only acceptable method.
(c) Solvent extraction, by separating the solids as above (Note 6), extracting the
solvent-soluble portion into a suitable solvent, evaporating the resultant solution to
dryness, and weighing the residue.
Assay the formulation by the same method. Do not mix methods.
CALCULATION
Each of the three assay methods yields a mass: chemical assay gives the mass of
active ingredient, gravimetric assay the mass of water-insoluble solids, and solvent-
extraction the mass of solvent-soluble residue.
Irrespective of the assay method used, and irrespective of which of the above
masses is therefore obtained, the masses required in the calculation are as follows.
111 (c - Q)
Then suspensibility = %
c
REPORTING
Report the suspensibility to the nearest 1% and specify the following parameters:
Note 1 Magnafloc R140 is supplied by Allied Colloids Co, PO Box 36, Low
Moor, Bradford BD120J2, U.K.
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MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES AND IMPURITIES
Note 2 A crust of dry material sometimes forms inside the neck of suspension
concentrate containers. Care must be taken to ensure that particles do not
break away from this and contaminate the sample used in the test.
Note 4 To invert the cylinder, hold it with one hand at each end, insulated with a
cloth, and rotate it through 180° and back again, through an imaginary
fixed point midway between the hands. Ensure no bouncing occurs. Each
inversion should take 2 sec.
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MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES AND IMPURITIES
NH
S
NH
SCOPE
The methods are suitable for determining ETU in technical and formulated
products containing ethylene-bis-(dithiocarbamate) (mancozeb, maneb, zineb and
metiram)
OUTLINE OF METHOD
The ETU is extracted from the sample with methanol. An aliquot of the methanolic
solution is evaporated to dryness and the residue is dissolved in water. The solution
is filtered and diluted, if necessary, and injected on to a column of Nucleosil C18 or
Spherisorb ODS. The ETU is eluted with water containing tetrahydrofuran and
detected at 233 nm (Note 1).
REAGENTS
APPARATUS
Liquid chromatograph equipped with 10µl loop injector, variable UV detector, and
electronic integrator or recorder
Column stainless steel, 200 × 4.6 (i.d.) mm with Nucleosil 5 C18 or Spherisorb ODS
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MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES AND IMPURITIES
(5 µm)
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MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES AND IMPURITIES
Sintered glass funnel porosity P 16 (pore size 10-16 µm) approximate dimensions:
diameter at top about 45 mm, a sintered glass plate about 40 mm diameter, depth
from rim to plate about 55 mm. Attach the funnel with suitable adaptor to a
250 ml flask making sure that the end of the funnel tube is below the side arm of
the flask.
Millipore Filter, 0.45 µm, 2.5 cm (Ref HAWP 02500) or equivalent
Rotary vacuum evaporator
Water bath with accurate thermostatic control
Pipettes 10, 20 and 50 ml
Volumetric flask 100 ml
Conical flask 25 ml
PROCEDURE
Inject 10 µl aliquots of one of the calibration solutions (e.g. the one containing 20
µg ETU per ml) to stabilize the instrument and to set the parameters. Inject
consecutively 10 µl of each of the calibration solutions to obtain their respective
HPLC responses. (Note 2).
Weigh (to the nearest mg) sufficient sample (w g) to contain about 0.01 g ETU
(but not exceeding 20 g) on to the sintered glass funnel and add methanol (20 ml at
20°C). Stir the powder gently to disperse it and allow it to stand for 3 min, then
drain under gentle suction into the Buchner flask. Repeat with further methanol (3
× 20 ml). Transfer the filtrate into a 100 ml volumetric flask, wash the funnel and
Buchner flask with methanol transfer the washings to the volumetric flask,
equilibrate the extract at 20°C, and make up to 100 ml with methanol at 20°C.
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MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES AND IMPURITIES
(e) Calculation.
Determine the ETU content in the sample solution by comparing its peak height
with that from the calibration solution (Note 2).
ETU content = Hw⋅c g/kg
H s ⋅ w ⋅ 2.5
where:
Hw = peak height of the sample (mm)
Hs = peak height of the calibration solution (mm)
w = mass of sample (g)
c = concentration of ETU in the calibration solution (µg/ml)
OUTLINE OF METHOD
The ETU is extracted from the sample with methanol. Portions of the sample and
standard solutions are spotted on to filter paper and developed with butan-1-ol +
ethanol + water. The chromatogram is sprayed with pentacyanoaminoferroate
[PCAF] reagent which produces a blue spot with ETU. The ETU content of the
sample is determined by comparing the spot with those from the standards (Note 3).
REAGENTS
Butan-1-ol {CH3[CH2]3OH}
Ethanol (CH3CH2OH) or Industrial Methylated Spirit
Running solvent butan-1-ol(4 vols) + ethanol (1 vol) + water(1 vol) Mix well and
store in a well-stoppered glass bottle.
Visualising agent pentacyanoaminoferroate (PCAF reagent); RE 146 (Note 4)
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MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES AND IMPURITIES
Methanol (CH3OH); RE 47
Ethylenethiourea (ETU) standard sample at least 99% pure
- strong standard solution. Dissolve ETU (0.1 g) in methanol (100 ml). 1 µl
contains 1 µg ETU
- weak standard solution. Dilute strong standard solution (10 ml) with
methanol to 100 ml. 1 µl contains 0.1 µg of ETU
APPARATUS
PROCEDURE
(b) Determination.
Using the 10 µl syringe, add the following amounts to the paper channels:
Strong standard solution: 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 µl
Sample solution: 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 µl
Clip the edges of the paper together to form a cylinder and put vertically in a 600
ml beaker containing an approximate 1 cm depth of the running solvent. Cover with
a clock-glass and allow to run at room temperature until the solvent front coincides
with the top edge of the slots. Dry in warm air, and then develop the chromatogram
by spraying with PCAF reagent (Note 4). Allow to develop fully for 10 min and
then note in which channel spots are just visible.
From this observation, the highest possible limits of concentration of ETU in the
original sample are determined.
(c) Calculation
Volume of standard spot just visible
⋅ 1µg = y µg/µl ETU
Volume of sample spot just visible
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MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES AND IMPURITIES
where:
w = mass of sample (g)
For a more precise measurement, transfer the following portions of the test
solution and the weak standard solution to the paper:
Run the chromatogram and visualize as before and calculate a more precise limit
from correlation with the standard.
Note 4 PCAF is not specific for ETU, and reacts to differing degrees with many
sulphur compounds.
404