Determination of carbonyl sulfide in air by derivatization with 1,3-diaminopropane and capillary gas chromatographic analysis

A method for monitoring personal exposure to carbonyl sulfide in air has been developed and validated. Carbonyl sulfide is collected on Woelm column chromatography polyamide coated with 1,3-diaminopropane as an in situ derivatizing agent. This is followed by desorption with 0.01 N NaOH solution and analysis by capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. The method was laboratory validated over the range of 1-20 ppm carbonyl sulfide in air with an average recovery of 90.4% and a relative standard deviation range of 0.030-0.080. Humidity, elevated temperature, and storage effects are reported along with a comparison to a previously reported method of analysis involving titration. The results of field tests conducted at an industrial location are reported. 16 references, 2 figures, 5 tables.