Solid-phase extraction combined with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, fast derivatisation and high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis for trace determination of short-chained dodecyl alcohol ethoxylates and dodecy

A new method was developed for preconcentration, derivatisation and analysis of short-chained dodecyl alcohol ethoxylates and dodecyl alcohol. Solid-phase extraction combined with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction was used for preconcentration of target compounds. Several parameters were optimised including different solid phase extraction sorbents, type and volume of both extracting and dispersive solvents. As a result fast and relatively simple preconcentration method was developed. The analytes were preconcentrated 700 times with the use of small sample volume. The target compounds were derivatised before analysis with the use of newly developed procedure. The derivatisation procedure was made in vial insert and was performed at room temperature with the use of 1-naphthoyl chloride as the derivatisation agent. The developed method was used for the analysis of short-chained dodecyl alcohol ethoxylates and dodecyl alcohol in both sewage effluent from sewage treatment plants and river water samples.

► We have developed a new isolation procedure for dodecyl alcohol and its ethoxylates.
► We have developed a new derivatisation procedure in microlitre volumes.
► We have determined target compounds in samples from sewage effluents and river water.