Capillary electrophoresis analysis of chemical warfare agent breakdown products .1. Counterelectroosmotic separation of alkylphosphonic acids and their monoester derivatives

An analytical method has been developed for the analysis of chemical warfare agents by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). Sorbate anion has been selected as indirect UV-absorbing agent and decamethonium cation reduces the electroosmotic flow. The optimized electrolyte (5 mM sorbic acid, 0.1 mM decamethonium bromide pH 6) allows the simultaneous separation of alkylphosphonic acids and their monoester derivatives in less than 15 min. The measurement of phosphonic solutes has been achieved in spiked soils using calibration curves in the 5-50 mg/l concentration range.