ABSTRACT
This chapter briefly discusses the application, chemical properties and physical properties of methyl isocyanate. It presents detailed information on the air analysis of methyl isocyanate. Methyl isocyanate is used in the manufacture of carbamate pesticides and decomposes in water. It is colorless liquid with an unpleasant odor, soluble in most organic solvents, highly toxic and flammable. During the air analysis of methyl isocyanate, air is drawn through a glass tube containing ion exchange resin XAD-2. Methyl isocyanate is desorbed from the resin into a solution of fluorescamine (Fluram) in tetrahydrofuran. Then, an intense fluorescent derivative is formed. The derivative is analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a multiwavelength fluorescent detector.
