Comparison of analytical methods for metribuzin

Determinations of the active ingredient in technical and formulated metribuzin were compared by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) using various solvents, infrared (IR) spectrophotometry, and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ketones could not be used as a solvent for GLC analysis because of Schiff base formation. The GLC method using ethylene glycol monomethyl ether gave results about 1% higher for technical metribuzin than the other methods. GLC using methylene chloride solvent agreed with IR and HPLC results to within 0.4%. GLC using methylene chloride is the preferred method.