Quantification of Thiodiglycol in Urine by Electron Ionization Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

摘要

Thiodiglycol (2,2'-thiodiethanol) has been classified as a major in vivodegradation product of bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide (sulfur mustard gas, HD). Therefore, the presence of thiodiglycol in biological fluids should be evidence of mustard exposure. The analysis of urine samples from Iranian Chemical warfare casualties for thiodiglycol after alleged mustard exposure has been accomplished on two occasions. Thiodiglycol levels were elevated in most of the exposed soldiers. However, in one study some of the control urine samples indicated levels of thiodiglycol higher than that of the exposed Iranians. The method of analysis used in both verification studies was a headspace sampling gas chromatographic mass spectrometric (GC-MS) technique that relied on conversion of the thiodiglycol back to the more volatile mustard, a more recent assay by Black and Read demonstrated the existence of control urines with less than 1 ng/ml thiodiglycol. Analysis was by GC-MS using electron-capture negative-ion chemical ionization of the bis(pentafluorobenzoate) derivative. Reprints. (js)