This research used gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and electrospray ionization liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (ESI-LC/MS) to analyze a commercially available fungicide formulation. GC/MS analysis provided a detailed look at the volatile components in the formulation, but did not yield any results for the active ingredient, triforine. ESI-LC/MS provided information on the stereoisomers of triforine as well as the nonvolatile surfactants and contaminants in the formulation. This paper demonstrates the complementary nature of these two analytical techniques when trying to fully characterize a complex chemical formulation containing a broad range of components.
This document describes an analytical study of a commercially available fungicide formulation containing the active ingredient triforine. The analysis utilizes two techniques: Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and Electrospray Ionization Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (ESI-LC/MS). The GC/MS analysis, performed on an Agilent 5973 system, successfully identified volatile solvents and surfactants but indicated that the active ingredient, triforine, decomposed under the conditions used. Conversely, the ESI-LC/MS analysis, performed on an Agilent 1100 Series system, successfully identified the active ingredient and its stereoisomers, as well as non-volatile surfactants.
| Carrier gas | Helium at 13.00 psi |
|---|---|
| Flow rate | 1.6 mL/min. |
| Column | 150 x 4.6 mm Zorbax XDB-C8, 5 um |
| Flow rate | 1.0 mL/min |
| Column temperature | 30°C |
The active ingredient was 6.5% (wt) of N,N-[1,4-piperazinediylbis(2,2,2-trichloroethylidene)]bisformamide, also known as triforine.
The GC/MS analysis indicated that triforine decomposed in the gas chromatograph, as evidenced by a broad peak showing chlorine isotope patterns.