1. General Discussion
1.1 Background
1.1.1 History
Air samples were received at SLTC requesting analysis for isopropylamine (IPAM) collected on tubes containing XAD-2
resin coated with 10% 1-naphthylisothiocyanate (NITC). This compound was similar to the ethylenediamine in OSHA
Method 60, so the analytical parameters of analysis by liquid chromatography with an ultraviolet detector were
used.1 The extraction and retention studies were performed using the Bakerbond CN LC column using a
mobile phase of 90:10 isooctane:isopropanol. This column became irreparably clogged and could not be replaced soon,
therefore a Restek Pinnacle TO-11 LC column and a mobile phase of 55:45:0.2 acetonitrile:water:phosphoric acid was
used for the remaining tests. The peak shape on the TO-11 column was sharper, giving greater sensitivity. The
samples were extracted with 2 mL N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and had good extraction
efficiencies averaging 99.5%. The retention efficiency study showed no IPAM on the back-up section of the spiked
tube or back-up tube, for tubes spiked with 222 µg, that had 20-L humid air drawn through them. The storage study
showed little loss for samples stored for up to 14 days under both refrigerated and ambient conditions.
1.1.2 Toxic effects (This section is for information only and should not be taken as the basis of OSHA policy.)2
IPAM is a moderate skin irritant, severe eye irritant, and moderate mucous membrane irritant. It is moderately
toxic by ingestion and mucous membrane absorption. Workers exposed to IPAM reported transient visual disturbances,
such as halos around lights, after exposure to vapors for 8 hours, probably resulting in corneal edema, which
disappeared after 3 to 4 hours.
1.1.3 Workplace exposure3,4
IPAM is used as a solvent, depilatory, and to dissolve 2,4-D. It is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of
dyes, rubber accelerators, insecticides, bactericides, textile specialties, surface-active agents and
pharmaceuticals.
1.1.4 Physical properties and other descriptive information5,6
| CAS number: |
75-31-0 |
IMIS7: |
1562 |
| molecular weight: |
59.08 |
vapor density: |
2.03 |
| melting point: |
-101°C |
boiling point: |
34°C |
| appearance: |
clear liquid |
vapor pressure: |
61.33 kPa @20°C |
| odor: |
amine or ammonia |
flash point: |
-37.2°C (-35°F)(cc) |
autoignition
temperature: |
|
|
-26°C(-14.8°F)(oc) |
| 402°C (756°F) |
molecular formula: |
C3H9N |
| solubility: |
water, alcohol, acetone |
|
density:0.694 |
| synonyms: |
2-aminopropane; 2-propanamine |
|
| structural formula: |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
This method was evaluated according to the OSHA SLTC "Evaluation Guidelines for Air
Sampling Methods Utilizing Chromatographic Analysis"8. The Guidelines define analytical parameters, specify
required laboratory tests, statistical calculations and acceptance criteria. The analyte air concentrations
throughout this method are based on the recommended sampling and analytical parameters.
1.2 Detection limit of the overall procedure (DLOP) and reliable quantitation limit (RQL)
The DLOP is measured as mass per sample and expressed as equivalent air concentrations, based on the recommended
sampling parameters. Ten samplers were spiked with equal descending increments of analyte, such that the highest
sampler loading was 9.9 µg of IPAM. This is the amount spiked on a sampler that would produce a peak at least 10
times the response for a sample blank. These spiked samplers were analyzed with the recommended analytical
parameters, and the data obtained used to calculate the required parameters (standard error of estimate (SEE) and
slope) for the calculation of the DLOP. The slope was 2.76×104 and the SEE was 3000. The RQL is
considered the lower limit for precise quantitative measurements. It is determined from the regression line
parameters obtained for the calculation of the DLOP, providing 75% to 125% of the analyte is recovered. The DLOP and
RQL were 0.326 µg and 1.087 µg, respectively. The recovery at the RQL was 99.4%.
Table 1.2
Detection Limit of the Overall Procedure
for IPAM
|
mass per sample
(µg) |
area counts
(µV-s) |
0.00
0.99
1.98
2.97
3.96
4.95
5.94
6.93
7.92
8.91
9.90 |
9284
32822
61744
90771
120847
147310
174654
196427
223071
258584
281776 |
|
|

Figure 1.2.1 Plot of data to determine the DLOP/RQL for IPAM at 254 nm using a TO-11. (y = 27600x + 8519;
SEE = 300) |
Below is the chromatogram of the RQL level.

Figure 1.2.2 Chromatogram of the IPAM peak in a standard near the RQL at 254nm using a TO-11 column. (Key:
(1) IPAM; (2) interference in NITC) |
2. Sampling Procedure
All safety practices that apply to the work area being sampled should be followed. The sampling equipment should be
attached to the worker in such a manner that it will not interfere with work performance or safety.
2.1 Apparatus
2.1.1 Samples are collected using a personal sampling pump calibrated, with the sampling
device attached, to within ±5% of the recommended flow rate.
2.1.2 Samples are collected with 7-cm × 4-mm i.d. × 7-mm o.d. glass sampling tubes packed with two sections
(80/40 mg) of XAD-2 resin coated with 10% by weight 1-naphthylisothiocyanate. The sections are held in place and
separated with a glass wool plugs. For this evaluation, commercially prepared sampling tubes were purchased from
SKC, Inc. (catalog no. 226-30-18).
2.2 Reagents
None required.
2.3 Technique
2.3.1 Immediately before sampling, break off the ends of the flame-sealed tube to provide an
opening approximately half the internal diameter of the tube. Wear eye protection when breaking ends. Use tube
holders to minimize the hazard of broken glass. All tubes should be from the same lot.
2.3.2 The smaller section of the adsorbent tube is used as a back-up and is positioned nearest the sampling pump.
Attach the tube holder to the sampling pump so that the adsorbent tube is in an approximately vertical position
with the inlet facing down during sampling. Position the sampling pump, tube holder and tubing so they do not
impede work performance or safety.
2.3.3 Draw the air to be sampled directly into the inlet of the tube holder. The air being sampled is not to be
passed through any hose or tubing before entering the sampling tube.
2.3.4 After sampling for the appropriate time, remove the adsorbent tube and seal it with plastic end caps. Seal
each sample end-to-end with an OSHA-21 form as soon as possible.
2.3.5 Submit at least one blank sample with each set of samples. Handle the blank sample in the same manner as the
other samples except draw no air through it.
2.3.6 Record sample air volumes (liters), sampling time (minutes) and sampling rate (L/min) for each sample, along
with any potential interferences on the OSHA-91A form.
2.3.7 Submit the samples to the laboratory for analysis as soon as possible after sampling. If delay is
unavoidable, store the samples at refrigerator temperature. Ship any bulk samples separate from the air samples.
2.4 Extraction efficiency
The extraction efficiency was determined by spiking NITC-coated XAD-2 tubes with IPAM at 0.1 to 2 times the target
concentration. These samples were stored overnight at ambient temperature and then extracted for 30 minutes with
shaking, and analyzed. The mean extraction efficiency over the studied range was 99.5%. The wet extraction
efficiency was determined at 1 times the target concentration by spiking the analyte onto NITC-coated XAD-2 tubes
which had 20-L humid air (absolute humidity of 15.9 mg/L of water, about 80% relative humidity at 22.2 °C) drawn
through them immediately before spiking. The mean recovery for the wet samples was 99.6%.
Table 2.4
Extraction Efficiency (%) of IPAM
|
| level |
|
|
sample number |
|
|
|
× target
concn |
µg per
sample |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
mean |
|
0.1
0.25
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
1.0 (wet) |
22.2
55.5
111
222
333
444
222 |
100.9
99.7
99.9
100.4
99.0
100.3
100.3 |
99.5
99.5
97.5
100.7
100.1
100.2
99.9 |
98.8
100.1
100.3
98.8
98.9
98.3
98.7 |
97.1
99.1
100.1
100.5
100.1
99.0
99.9 |
98.7
98.3
99.0
98.3
99.0
100.1
99.2 |
99.5
99.6
98.9
100.2
100.4
100.0
99.8 |
99.1
99.4
99.3
99.8
99.6
99.7
99.6 |
|
2.5 Retention efficiency
Six NITC-coated XAD-2 tubes were spiked with 444 µg (9.2 ppm) of IPAM and allowed to equilibrate for 4 h. Each
spiked tube was placed in series with a second NITC-coated XAD-2 tube. Each sampling train had 20-L humid air
(absolute humidity of 15.9 mg/L of water, about 80% relative humidity at 22.2°C) pulled through them at 0.1 L/min.
The samples were extracted and analyzed. The mean recovery was 99.6%. There was no analyte found on the back-up
section of any of the tubes or on the second, back-up tube.
Table 2.5
Retention Efficiency (%) of IPAM
|
|
|
|
sample number |
|
|
|
| section |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
mean |
|
front of spiked tube
rear of spiked tube
front of series tube
back of series tube
total |
99.9
0.0
0.0
0.0
99.9 |
98.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
98.6 |
99.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
99.0 |
100.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
100.3 |
99.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
99.5 |
100.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
100.4 |
99.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
99.6 |
|
2.6 Sample storage
Fifteen NITC-coated XAD-2 tubes were each spiked with 222 µg (4.6 ppm) of IPAM. They were allowed to equilibrate
for 4 h, then 20 L of air, with an absolute humidity of 15.7 milligrams of water per liter of air (about 80%
relative humidity at 23°C), was drawn through them. Three samples were analyzed immediately, and the rest were
sealed. Six were stored at room temperature (23 °C), while the other six were stored at refrigerated temperature (4
°C). Three samples stored at room temperature and three samples stored at refrigerated temperature were analyzed
after 7 days and the remaining three after 14 days. The amounts recovered, indicate good storage stability for the
time period studied.
Table 2.6
Storage Test for IPAM
|
time
(days) |
ambient |
storage |
recovery
(%) |
|
refrigerated |
storage |
recovery
(%) |
|
0
7
14 |
99.6
98.5
99.8 |
98.7
99.4
98.3 |
100.3
99.9
99.6 |
|
99.6
99.3
99.1 |
98.7
99.9
98.9 |
100.3
99.0
99.8 |
|
2.7 Recommended air volume and sampling rate
Based on the data collected in this evaluation, 20-L air samples should be collected at a sampling rate of 0.1 L/min
for 200 minutes.
2.8 Interferences (sampling)
2.8.1 There are no known compounds which will severely interfere with the collection of IPAM.
Other primary and secondary amines will collect on this media, and form derivatives with the NITC, affecting the
ability of the tube to collect IPAM, so sampling time should be adjusted if high concentrations of amines are
expected.
2.8.2 Suspected interferences should be reported to the laboratory with submitted samples.
3. Analytical Procedure
Adhere to the rules set down in your Chemical Hygiene Plan. Avoid skin contact and inhalation
of all chemicals and review all appropriate MSDSs.
3.1 Apparatus
3.1.1 A liquid chromatograph equipped with a UV detector. For this evaluation, a Waters 600
Controller and pump were used, with a Waters 2487 Dual wavelength absorbance Detector, and a Waters 717 plus
Autosampler was used in this evaluation.
3.1.2 An LC column capable of separating IPAM from the desorption solvent and any potential interferences. A 4.6 ×
250-mm column packed with 5µ Bakerbond cyanopropyl (JT Baker, Phillipsburg, NJ), and a 4.6 × 250-mm column packed
with 5µ Pinnacle TO-11 (Bellefonte, PA) were used in the evaluation.
3.1.3 An electronic integrator or some other suitable means of measuring peak areas. A Waters Millennium32
Data System was used in this evaluation.
3.1.4 Glass vials with poly(tetrafluoroethylene)-lined caps. For this evaluation 4-mL vials were used.
3.1.5 A dispenser capable of delivering 2.0 mL of desorbing solvent to prepare standards and samples. If a
dispenser is not available, a 2.0-mL volumetric pipet may be used.
3.1.7 Volumetric flasks - 10-mL and other convenient sizes for preparing standards.
3.2 Reagents
3.2.1 Isopropylamine, reagent grade. Aldrich lot 16828HA 99.5% was used in this evaluation.
3.2.2 N,N-Dimethyl formamide, reagent grade. Fisher 99.5%+ (lot 933764) was used for
this evaluation.
3.2.3 1-Naphthylisothiocyanate, reagent grade. Aldrich 95%+ (lot 09925MY) was used in this evaluation.
3.2.4 Isopropyl alcohol, HPLC grade. Fisher 99.9% (lot 022995) was used in this evaluation.
3.2.5 Isooctane, HPLC grade. Fisher 99.0%+ (lot 025050) was used in this evaluation.
3.2.6 Acetonitrile, HPLC grade. Fisher 99.9%+ (lot 023721) was used in this evaluation.
3.2.7 Deionized water (DI water), 18 megaohm. A Barnstead NANOpure Diamond water deionizer was used in this
evaluation.
3.2.8 Phosphoric acid, Baker Analyzed Reagent grade. Baker 85.9% (lot D25821) was used in this evaluation.
3.2.9 Mobile phase was 90:10 isooctane:isopropyl alcohol with the Bakerbond CN column.
3.2.10 Mobile phase was 55:45:0.2 acetonitrile:water:phosphoric acid with the Pinnacle TO-11 column.
3.3 Standard preparation
3.3.1 Prepare two stock standards. A stock standard of a concentration of 2 mg/mL may be
prepared by weighing out about 50 mg of NITC in a 10-mL flask, then weigh out 20 mg IPAM placing the drops on top
of the NITC in the flask, then weigh out about 50 mg more NITC on top of the IPAM. Allow the amine to react with
the NITC for 1 hour. Partially fill the volumetric flask with DMF and allow to sit at least 30 minutes to dissolve
the derivative, swirl to dissolve, and fill to the mark with DMF. Do not place the flask in a sonic bath to try to
get the derivative to go into solution, as this will destroy the derivative. There must always be an excess of the
NITC for the derivative to be completely formed. There is one amine group which will react with the NITC, so this
mole ratio must be used in calculating the amount of NITC to be added. For example, the amount of NITC needed for
the above stock standard would be calculated:
20 mg IPAM × (NITC MW=185.25/IPAM MW=59.08) = 62.7 mg NITC
In the above stock standard preparation a total of 100 mg NITC was weighed out so that an excess of NITC was
present.
3.3.2 Diluted standards are prepared with a solution of 1 mg/mL NITC in DMF, so that an excess of NITC is always
present. Bracket sample concentrations with working standard concentrations. If sample concentrations are higher
than the concentration range of prepared standards, either analyze higher standards, or dilute the sample. The
higher standards should be at least as high in concentration as the highest sample. Diluted samples should be
prepared with a solution of 1 mg/mL NITC in the DMF. The range of standards used in this study was from 0.5 to 444
µg/mL.
3.4 Sample preparation
3.4.1 Remove the plastic end caps from the sample tubes and carefully transfer the adsorbent
sections to separate 4-mL vials. Discard the glass tube, urethane foam plug and glass wool plug.
3.4.2 Add 2.0 mL of DMF to each vial using the same dispenser as used for preparation of standards.
3.4.3 Immediately seal the vials with poly(tetrafluoroethylene)-lined caps.
3.4.4 Shake the vials on a shaker for 30 minutes.
3.5 Analysis
3.5.1 Liquid chromatograph conditions.
LC conditions reverse phase
|
| column: |
Restek TO-11 5-µ, 4.6 × 250-mm |
| injection size: |
10 µL |
| mobile phase: |
1.5 mL/min of 55:45:0.2 acetonitrile:water: phosphoric acid |
| detector |
UV at 254 & 280 nm |
| run time: |
30 min |
| retention times: |
4.12 min IPAM
24.2 min NITC |
|

Figure 3.5.1.1 A chromatogram of 222 µg/mL IPAM in DMF with NITC at 254 nm using a TO-11 column. Key: (1) DMF;
(2) IPAM; (3) interference in NITC; and (4) NITC. |
LC conditions normal phase
|
| column: |
Bakerbond cyanopropyl (CN) column 5-µ, 4.6 × 250-mm |
| injection size: |
10 µL |
| mobile phase: |
2 mL/min 90:10 isooctane: isopropyl alcohol |
| detector: |
UV at 254 & 280 nm |
| run time: |
15 min |
| retention times: |
2.71 min NITC
4.83 min DMF
12.3 min IPAM |
|

Figure 3.5.1.2 A chromatogram of 222 µg/mL IPAM in DMF with NITC at 254 nm using a Bakerbond CN column. Key:
(1) NITC; (2) DMF; and (3) IPAM. |
3.5.2 Peak areas are measured by an integrator or other suitable means.
3.5.3 An external standard (ESTD) calibration method is used. A calibration curve can be constructed by response
of standard injections versus micrograms of analyte per sample. Bracket the samples with freshly prepared
analytical standards over a range of concentrations
|

Figure 3.5.3 Calibration curve of IPAM at 254 nm using a TO-11 column. (Y= 1.57×105 x -1.86×105) |
3.6 Interferences (analytical)
3.6.1 Any compound that produces a LC response and has a similar retention time as the
analyte is a potential interference. If any potential interferences were reported, they should be considered before
samples are extracted. Generally, chromatographic conditions can be altered to separate an interference from the
analyte.
3.6.2 When necessary, the identity or purity of an analyte peak may be confirmed by a photodiode array scan of the
peak, by wavelength ratioing, or by LC-mass spec.
3.7 Calculations
The amount of analyte per sampler is obtained from the appropriate calibration curve in terms of micrograms per
sample, uncorrected for extraction efficiency. This total amount is then corrected by subtracting the total amount
(if any) found on the blank. The air concentration is calculated using the following formulas.
 |
where |
CM is concentration by weight (mg/m³)
M is micrograms per sample
V is liters of air sampled
EE is extraction efficiency, in decimal form
|
 |
where |
CV is concentration by volume (ppm)
VM is molar volume at 25°C and 1 atm = 24.46
CM is concentration by weight
Mr is molecular weight = 59.08 |
4. Recommendations for further study
Collection, reproducibility, and other detection limit studies need to be performed to make this a validated method.
1. OSHA Sampling and Analytical Methods. http://www.osha.gov
(accessed 3/25/2003).
2. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure indices (BEIs),
6th edition, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Inc, Cincinnati OH, 1991, p 831.
3. Lewis, R., Ed, Hawley’s Condensed Chemical Dictionary, John Wiley & Sons: New York, 2001, p 630.
4. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure indices (BEIs),
6th edition, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Inc, Cincinnati OH, 1991, p 831.
5. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure indices (BEIs),
6th edition, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Inc, Cincinnati OH, 1991, p 831.
6. Lewis, R., Ed, Hawley’s Condensed Chemical Dictionary, John Wiley &
Sons: New York, 2001, p 630.
7. OSHA Chemical Sampling Information http://www.osha.gov
(accessed 3/25/2003).
8. Burright, D.; Chan, Y.; Eide, M.; Elskamp, C.; Hendricks, W.; Rose, M. C. Evaluation
Guidelines for Air Sampling Methods Utilizing Chromatographic Analysis; OSHA Salt Lake Technical Center, U.S.
Department of Labor: Salt Lake City, UT, 1999.
|