Modified method for electron capture gas-liquid chromatographic determination of hexestrol residues in bovine tissues

A gas-liquid chromatographic (GLC) method with electron capture detection was developed for determining hexestrol residues based on a GLC method for diethylstilbestrol residues. The extraction and purification procedures were based on a published procedure. Pentafluoropropionic (PFP) and heptafluorobutyric (HFB) anhydrides and other halogenated compounds were compared as acylation reagents. PFP anhydride was selected because it provided reproducible GLC responses. Of the 3 column packing materials tested, OV-17, OV-210, and QF-1, OV-17 was the most stable under the GLC conditions used. A pH 10.5--10.6 in the purification step gave higher recoveries than pH 10.3 or pH 10.8 and was selected for use. The method is suitable for determining residues of 0.5 ppb. The limit of sensitivity ranges from 0.1 to 0.2 ppb.