Method 2542

Mercaptans - Ethyl-, Methyl- and n-Butyl-


This method is designed for the determination of mercaptans.  The sample is collected on a glass fiber filter impregnated with mercuric acetate.  After sample collection, the filter should be protected from light.  The filter is extracted with (25% v/v) HCl/dichloroethane and analyzed by GC/ FPD.

The filter may exhibit a yellow color but that is from the treatment and won't interfere with the collection efficiency.

The working ranges are 0.2 to 10 ppm for a 20L air sample.

NOTE: This is a modification of OSHA Method 26 for methyl mercaptan with the addition of ethyl- and n-butyl mercaptan.


(NIOSH Issue 1: 15 August 1994)

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Method Data

Hold Times, Preservatives, Preps, Collection, Analytical & Documentation
Holding Time:   The sample is stable for least 3 weeks if kept at 25°C.
Preservatives:   Protect from light and keep at 25°C.
Required Preps:   37mm Glass fiber filter impregnated with mercuric actetate (SKC 225-9007)
Collection Method:   The method recommends a flow rate of 0.1 to 0.2 L/min with sample collection volume of 10-150 L.
Analytical Methodology:   GC/FPD
Documentation:   2542

Analyte List*

Analyte Formula CAS Number Detection Limit
n-Butyl Mercaptan
C4H10S
109-79-5
7
 µg
Methyl mercaptan
CH4S
74-93-1
4
 µg
Ethyl Mercaptan
C2H6S
75-08-1
5
 µg

* The analytes and detection limits listed for each method represent the typical detection limits and analytes reported for that particular method. Keep in mind that analyte lists may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Detection limits may also vary from lab to lab and are dependent upon the sample size, matrix, and any interferences that may be present in the sample.