A chromatographic method is described for the detection and approximate determination of traces of acrylonitrile. The method is based on a reaction between acrylonitrile, thiourea and hydrochloric acid to yield 2-(2-cyano-ethy1)isothiuronium chloride, which is detected by paper chromatography with an ammoniacal silver nitrate spray reagent. The method is widely applicable, specific and highly sensitive; it makes possible the detection of acrylonitrile in amounts of the order of 1 pg.
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