New derivatization method for determination of 3-chloro-4(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone in water.

An extremely potent mutagen, 3-chloro-4(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone (MX) is commonly present in chlorinated drinking water. Due to its high mutagenic activity and according to World Health Organization guidelines its concentration should be controlled in drinking waters. Determination of MX is difficult due to ppt levels at which the compound usually exists in drinking waters. Derivatization of MX with 2-propanol is presented as a method which significantly lowers the GC-MS detection level compared to other alcohol derivatization agents.