Gas chromatographic determination of pentachlorophenol in gelatin

A method is described for the determination of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in gelatin. The method employs acid and heat to hydrolyze the gelatin matrix, a base partition and wash for separation and cleanup, and a reacidification and extraction with hexane for direct determination of PCP, without preparation of a derivative, using gas chromatography (GC) with a 1% SP- 124ODA liquid phase and a 63Ni electron capture detector. Recoveries averaged 106% for fortifications between 0.02 and 1.0 ppm. The limit of quantitation is 20 ppb. The limit of detection is 4-6 ppb. The method, which has undergone a successful intralaboratory trial, is simple and rapid, and requires only general laboratory reagents and equipment. GC of the acetate derivative of PCP is used for confirmation of identity.