This analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of 2,3‐pentanedione in workplace air in a concentration range of a tenth up to twice the currently valid MAK value of 0,083 mg/m
3
. Sampling is performed by drawing a defined volume of air through a silica gel tube using a suitable flow‐regulated pump. The flow rate is set to 0.33 L/min with a recommended air sample volume of approx. 20 L at a sampling time of 1 hour. For sampling 1 hour or 15 min (checking the short‐term value) can be used. The collected 2,3‐pentanedione is desorbed with acetone containing the internal standard cyclohexanone and then analysed by means of gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The quantitative evaluation is based on a calibration function obtained by means of a 10‐point calibration using cyclohexanone as internal standard. The limit of quantification is 0.0025 mg/m
3
based on an air sample volume of approx. 20 L or 0.010 mg/m
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based on an air sample volume of approx. 5 L (for short‐term value).
Joint Publication of the Analytical Subcommittee of the Chemistry Board of Experts of the Expert Committee Raw Materials and Chemical Industry of the German Social Accident Insurance and the working group “Air Analyses” of the Permanent Senate Commission of the DFG for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area.