Quantitative Screening of Twenty Six Aromatic Amines Originated from Azo Dyes by LC/MS Method

Azo dyes may undergo cleavage reaction under reductive conditions and, as a result, release aromatic amines if the azo group bonding with aromatic species. Many aromatic amines are known to be carcinogenic to humans. The European Union (EU) started new regulation on the use of azo dyes in consumer goods in Sep 2003, prohibiting the use of those azo dyes which can break down to release aromatic amines. A total of 22 aromatic amines from azo dyes had been listed in the Annex I of Directive 2002/61/EC. This application news reports a quantitative screening method targeted for 26 aromatic amines using simultaneous SIM/scan modes on Shimadzu ultra fast LCMS-2020. However, sample pretreatment to convert azo dyes to amines was not included.