Gas chromatographic determination of deoxynivalenol in cereals

Samples of barley, wheat and maize were analysed for deoxynivalenol (DON). Samples were extracted with aqueous chloroform-ethanol. The extract was purified by column chromatography on silica gel. DON was derivatised with heptafluorobutyric (HFB) acid anhydride. The glassware was silylated to prevent deterioration of the HFB derivative, which stabilised the samples for at least 11 weeks. Quantitation was done by capillary gas chromatography using electron-capture detection. Confirmation was obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The limit of determination was 0.02 mg/kg. Recoveries of DON averaged 99% with a coefficient of variation of 10.8%.