Preparation of samples for gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of phthalate and adipate esters in plasma and beverages by steam distillation and extraction

Abstract

Phthalate and adipate esters are present in relatively large amounts in the environment, resulting in their large blank values at analysis and making precise analysis difficult. We developed a highly sensitive analytical method for phthalate and adipate esters in plasma and beverages by lowering the blank values that interfere with analysis. The method uses a closed distillation cleanup system in which steam distillation and extraction are performed simultaneously. The recoveries from beverages and plasma were both satisfactory, ranging from 90.2 to 118.3%, relative standard deviation (RSD) = 2.8-5.3%, and 96.2-134.4%, RSD = 2.2-6.5%, respectively. The detection limits of dibutyl phthalate and di-2-ethyl hexyl phthalate were 5 ng/mL, and those of diethyl phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate, and di-2-ethyl hexyl adipate were 10 ng/mL in rabbit plasma and beverages.