Capillary gas chromatography with mass spectrometric and atomic emission detection for characterization and monitoring chlordimeform degradation in honey.

Capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and capillary gas chromatography-atomic emission detection have been successfully used to identify and monitor the main degradation products of chlordimeform when this compound is initially present in honey. The analysis of laboratory-spiked honey samples over 28 weeks revealed the occurrence of two degradation products: 4-chloro-o-toluidine (I) and N-formyl-4-chloro-o-toluidine (III). During this period the concentration of chlordimeform decreased to 7.5% of its initial value; the concentration of compound I increased gradually whereas compound III was present in a larger proportion and reached a maximum around the 14th week.