Analytical method of triethylamine and tributyliamine in polycarbonate products

Abstract

A method for the determination of triethylamine and tributhlamine in polycarbonate products was developed using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The sample was dissolved with dichloromethane, and the polymer was precipitated by addition of methanol. In order to avoid volatilization of triethylamine and tributylamine during evaporation of dichloromethane and methanol, 2% formic acid was added to the methanol mixture. After evaporation, triethylamine and tributylamine were determined by LC-MS/MS. Recoveries of triethylamine and tributylamine in polycarbonate products at the level of 1μg/g were 96,101% respectively, and the limits of quantification were 0.05μg/g in samples.