C18 reversed-phase trace enrichment of chlorinated phenols, guaiacols and catechols in water

Abstract Reversed-phase adsorption with octadecyl-modified silica gel was found to give quantitative recoveries of di-, tri-, tetra- and pentachlorophenol, tri- and tetrachloroguaiacol and tri- and tetrachlorocatechol from water. After desorption with acetone the chlorophenolic compounds were determined as their acetyl derivatives, using quartz capillary column gas chromatography. Different aqueous acetylation methods were compared, the highest yields being obtained with potassium carbonate solution. The procedure described has been applied to natural and industrial waste waters.