Analysis of Nonylphenol Polyethoxylates using GCMS

Introduction

Nonylphenol is an endocrine disruptor. Nonylphenol is rarely used by itself, but detected as decomposed products from nonylphenol polyethoxylates, a surfactant used in detergents. Typical cases that have been reported are the generation of nonylphenol in sewage and wastewater treatment facilities due to the decomposition of nonylphenol polyethoxylates by enzymes. Lately, nonylphenol polyethoxylates are rarely used in Japan. This Application News introduces an example of measuring nonylphenol polyethoxylates. This Application News shows the structural formula of nonylphenol polyethoxylate. The nonyl group, which is a type of alkyl group, generally exists as branched chains, instead of a linear chain. Thus multiple peaks are detected.

August 26, 2004 GMT