Mid-infrared and Raman spectrometry for quality control of pesticide formulations

This article deals with recent developments in the use of vibrational spectrometry for the quantitative analysis of active components in commercial pesticide formulations. We review the techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and FT-Raman spectrometries, and measurement modes, such as stopped flow or flow injection. FTIR is being used increasingly in the determination of pesticides in agrochemical products because of its relatively short analysis time. However, FT-Raman spectrometry provides direct analysis of solid and aqueous samples. It is therefore clear that these techniques enable fast, non-destructive, precise and accurate measurements, so vibrational spectrometry appears to be a promising tool for on-line process monitoring and analysis in the agrochemical industry.