FLUORESCENCE ASSAY FOR QUANTIFICATION OF PICOLINATE AND OTHER COMPOUNDS IN OXIDIZERS AND OXIDIZING COMPOSITIONS

A method of fluorometrically detecting the concentration of chemical components in oxidizing formulations is disclosed. In a particular embodiment the detection is of the stabilizing component of picolinic acid, present in such formulations, although any component which fluoresces may be detected. According to the invention sample preparation of the oxidizing formulation includes adding to said sample an excess of reducing agent to bind peracid, and in the case of picolinic acid, adding to said sample an excess of terbium chloride. The sample then is subjected to radiation to induce fluorescence and the concentration of said chemical component is determined by a linear relationship between fluorescence emitted and the concentration of the target chemical.