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.