1.1 Background

1.1.1 History

This evaluation was undertaken to establish a suitable sampling and analysis procedure for ethyl lactate. A study for n-butyl lactate collected with charcoal tubes showed an average recovery of 100% from the desorption study. This report describes a similar analytical method for sampling and analysis of ethyl lactate.

1.1.2 Toxic effects (This section is for information only and should not be taken as the basis of OSHA policy.) (Ref. 5.1 and 5.2)

Ethyl lactate is a central nervous system depressant and lethal to animals in high concentration (actual levels not stated) causing respiratory paralysis. (Ref. 5.1) Ethyl lactate is irritating in a rabbit eye and guinea pig skin. Ethyl lactate is moderately toxic. The probable oral lethal dose (human) 0.5-5 g/kg, is between 1 ounce and 1 pint or 1 pound for a 70 kg person (150 lb). (Ref. 5.2)

1.1.3 Workplace exposure (Ref. 5.3)

Ethyl lactate is used as solvent for nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate, many cellulose ethers, resins; lacquers, paints, enamels, varnishes, stencil sheets, safety glass and flavoring. No data is available on the extent of workplace exposure.

1.1.4 Physical properties and other descriptive information (Ref. 5.3 unless otherwise indicated)
 

Synonyms:	Actylol, acytol, ethyl a-hydroxypropionate, ethyl 2-hydroxypropionate (Ref.5.4)
CAS number:	97-64-3
IMIS:	E227
RTECS:	OD5075000; 8612 (Ref. 5.4)
DOT:	UN1192 (Ref. 5.4)
Vapor pressure:	0.67 kPa (5 mg Hg @ 30ºC) (Ref. 5.5)
Molecular weight:	118.13
Flash point:	46.1ºC (115ºF)(CC)
Boiling point:	154ºC
Melting point:	-25ºC (Ref. 5.5)
Odor:	Mild odor
Color:	Colorless, liquid
Density:	1.0324 @ 20.4ºC/4ºC
Molecular formula:	C5H10O3
Structural formula:

1.2 Limit defining parameters

1.2.1 Detection limit of the overall procedure (DLOP)

The detection limit of the overall procedure is 1.0 µg per sample (0.021 ppm or 0.10 mg/m³). This is the amount of analyte spiked on the sampler that will give a response that is significantly different from the background response of a sampler blank.

The DLOP is defined as the concentration of analyte that gives a response (Y_DLOP) that is significantly different (three standard deviations (SD_BR) from the background response (Y_BR).

YDLOP - YBR = 3(SDBR)

The direct measurement of Y_BR and SD_BR in chromatographic methods is typically inconvenient, and difficult because Y_BR is usually extremely low. Estimates of these parameters can be made with data obtained from the analysis of a series of samples whose responses are in the vicinity of the background response. The regression curve obtained for a plot of instrument response versus concentration of analyte will usually be linear. Assuming SD_BR and the precision of data about the curve are similar, the standard error of estimate (SEE) for the regression curve can be substituted for SD_BR in the above equation. The following calculations derive a formula for the DLOP:
 

Yobs = observed response Yest = estimated response from regression curve n = total no. of data points k = 2 for a linear regression curve

At point Y_DLOP on the regression curve
 

YDLOP =  A (DLOP   ) + YBR

A = analytical sensitivity (slope)

therefore

Substituting 3(SEE) + Y_BR for Y_DLOP gives

The DLOP is measured as mass per sample and expressed as equivalent air concentrations, based on the recommended sampling parameters. Ten samplers were spiked with equal descending increments of analyte, such that the highest sampler loading was 12.07 µg/sample. This is the amount, when spiked on a sampler, that would produce a peak approximately 10 times the background response for the sample blank. These spiked samplers, and the sample blank, were analyzed with the recommended analytical parameters, and the data obtained used to calculate the required parameters (A and SEE) for the calculation of the DLOP. Values of 100.89 and 33.56 were obtained for A and SEE respectively. The DLOP was calculated to be 1.0 µg/sample (0.021 ppm or 0.10 mg/m³).

Table 1.2.1 Detection Limit of the Overall Procedure mass per sample (µg) area counts (µV-s) 0 1.21 2.41 3.62 4.83 6.03 7.24 8.45 9.66 10.86 12.07 0 145 310 397 526 618 803 903 987 1081 1304

Figure 1.2.1 Plot of data to determine the DLOP/RQL

1.2.2  Reliable quantitation limit (RQL)

The reliable quantitation limit is 3.33 µg per sample (0.07 ppm or 0.33 mg/m³). This is the amount of analyte spiked on a sampler that will give a signal that is considered the lower limit for precise quantitative measurements.

The RQL is considered the lower limit for precise quantitative measurements. It is determined from the regression line data obtained for the calculation of the DLOP (Section 1.2.1), providing at least 75% of the analyte is recovered. The RQL is defined as the concentration of analyte that gives a response (YRQL) such that Y RQL -  YBR  =  10 (SDBR)

Figure 1.2.3 Chromatogram of the RQL

therefore
 

RQL =

10(SEE) A

2.1 Apparatus

2.1.1 Samples are collected using a personal sampling pump calibrated, with the sampling device attached, to within ±5% of the recommended flow rate.

2.1.2 Samples are collected with solid sorbent sampling tubes containing coconut shell charcoal. Each tube consists of two sections of charcoal separated by a urethane foam plug. The front section contains 100 mg of charcoal and the back section, 50 mg. The sections are held in place with glass wool plugs in a glass tube 4-mm i.d. x 70-mm length. For this evaluation, SKC Inc. charcoal tubes (catalog number 226-01, Lot 120) were used.

2.2 Technique

2.2.1 Immediately before sampling, break off the ends of the sampling tube. All tubes should be from the same lot.

2.2.2 Attach the sampling tube to the pump with flexible tubing. It is desirable to utilize sampling tube holders which have a protective cover to shield the employee from the sharp, jagged end of the sampling tube. Position the tube so that sampled air passes through the front section of the tube first.

2.2.3 Air being sampled should not pass through any hose or tubing before entering the sampling tube.

2.2.4 Attach the sampler vertically with the front section pointing downward, in the worker's breathing zone, and positioned so it does not impede work performance or safety.

2.2.5 After sampling for the appropriate time, remove the sample and seal the tube with plastic end caps. Wrap each sample end-to-end with a Form OSHA-21 seal.

2.2.6 Submit at least one blank sample with each set of samples. Handle the blank sampler in the same manner as the other samples except draw no air through it.

2.2.7 Record sample volumes (in liters of air) for each sample, along with any potential interferences.

2.2.8 Ship any bulk samples separate from the air samples.

2.2.9 Submit the samples to the laboratory for analysis as soon as possible after sampling. If delay is unavoidable, store the samples in a refrigerator.

2.3 Desorption efficiency

The desorption efficiencies of ethyl lactate were determined by liquid-spiking the charcoal tubes with the analytes at 0.1 to 2 times the target concentration. The loadings on the tubes were 24.1, 120.7, 214.4, and 482.8 µg of ethyl lactate. These samples were stored overnight at ambient temperature and then desorbed and analyzed. The average desorption efficiency over the studied range was 97.82%.

Table 2.3 Desorption Efficiency of Ethyl Lactate
	% Recovered
	0.1 ×	0.5 ×	1.0 ×	2.0 ×
Tube #	24.1 µg	120.7 µg	241.4 µg	482.8 µg
1 2 3 4 5 6	97.25 97.89 98.85 99.43 98.10 98.12	96.19 95.88 96.64 95.97 95.19 96.25	97.10 98.39 98.52 97.99 99.44 99.67	99.37 98.17 98.15 98.19 98.87 97.96
average	98.27	96.02	98.52	98.45
overall average	97.82
standard deviation	±1.20

2.4 Retention efficiency

Six sampling tubes were spiked with 482.8 µg (10.0 ppm or 48.3 mg/m³) of ethyl lactate, allowed to equilibrate for 24 hours at room temperature, and then 10 L humid air (80% RH at 21ºC) was drawn through each tube at 0.2 Lpm. They were opened, desorbed, and analyzed by GC-FID. The retention efficiency averaged 95.7%. There was no ethyl lactate found on the back sections of the tubes.

Table 2.4 Retention Efficiency of Ethyl Lactate
Tube #	% Recovered
	Front section	Back section	Total
1 2 3 4 5 6	95.64 94.93 95.96 96.79 95.40 95.47	0 0 0 0 0 0	95.64 94.93 95.96 96.79 95.40 95.47
		average	95.70

2.5 Sample storage

The front sections of twelve sampling tubes were each spiked with 241.4 µg (5.0 ppm or 24.1 mg/m³) of ethyl lactate. They were sealed and stored at room temperature. The next day 10 L of humid air (80% RH at 21ºC) was drawn through each tube at 0.2 L/min. Half of the tubes were stored in a drawer at ambient temperature and the other half were stored in a refrigerator at 0ºC. After 7 days of storage three samples from the tubes stored under refrigeration and three samples from ambient storage were analyzed. The remaining samples were analyzed after 15 days of storage. The amounts recovered, which are not corrected for desorption efficiency, indicate that the samples should be refrigerated. The samples stored in a refrigerator had an average recovery of 90.0%.
 

Table 2.5 Storage Test for Ethyl Lactate
Ambient Storage			Refrigerator Storage
Time (days)	% Recovered		Time (days)	% Recovered
7 7 7 15 15 15 average	64.1 60.1 60.3 50.0 50.7 55.6 56.8		7 7 7 15 15 15 average	91.8 93.0 92.3 86.2 88.9 88.0 90.0

2.6 Recommended air volume and sampling rate.

Based on the data collected in this evaluation, 10 L air samples should be collected at a sampling rate of 0.2 L/min. 

2.7 Interferences (sampling) 

2.7.1 It is not known if any compounds will severely interfere with the collection of ethyl lactate on the sampling tubes. In general, the presence of other contaminant vapors in the air will reduce the capacity of the charcoal tube to collect ethyl lactate.

2.7.2 Suspected interferences should be reported to the laboratory with submitted samples.

2.8 Safety precautions (sampling)

2.8.1 Attach the sampling equipment to the worker in such a manner that it will not interfere with work performance or safety.

2.8.2 Follow all safety practices that apply to the work area being sampled.

2.8.3 Wear eye protection when breaking the ends of the glass sampling tubes.

3.1 Apparatus

3.1.1 The instrument used in this study was a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector, specifically a Hewlett Packard model 5890.

3.1.2 A GC column capable of separating the analyte from any interferences. The column used in this study was a 60-m x 0.32-mm i.d. Rtx-volatiles, 1.5 µm film thickness.

3.1.3 An electronic integrator or some suitable method of measuring peak areas.

3.1.4 Two milliliter vials with Teflon-lined caps.

3.1.5 A 10 µL syringe or other convenient size for sample injection.

3.1.6 Pipets for dispensing the desorbing solution. A 1-mL dispenser was used in this study.

3.1.7 Volumetric flasks - 5 or 10 mL and other convenient sizes for preparing standards.

3.2 Reagents

3.2.1 GC grade nitrogen, hydrogen, and air.

3.2.2 Ethyl lactate, Reagent grade

3.2.3 Methylene chloride, Reagent grade

3.2.4 Methanol, Reagent grade

3.2.5 n-Heptanol, Reagent grade. This was used as an internal standard.

3.2.6 Desorbing solution was 95/5 (v/v) methylene chloride/methanol with 0.25 µL/mL n-heptanol internal standard.

3.3 Standard preparation

3.3.1 At least two separate stock standards are prepared by diluting a known quantity of ethyl lactate with the desorbing solution. The concentration of these stock standards was 241.4 µg/mL.

3.3.2 A third standard at a higher concentration, 965.6 µg/mL, was prepared to check the linearity of the calibration. Dilutions of the stock standards were made with the desorbing solution to obtain lower working range standards.

3.4 Sample preparation

3.4.1 Sample tubes are opened and the front and back section of each tube are placed in separate 2-mL vials.

3.4.2 Each section is desorbed with 1-mL of the desorbing solution.

3.4.3 The vials are sealed immediately and allowed to desorb for 60 minutes with intermittent shaking.

3.5 Analysis

3.5.1 Gas chromatograph conditions.

Injection size: 1 µL Flow rates (mL/min) Nitrogen (make-up): 30 Hydrogen(carrier): 3 Hydrogen(detector): 30 Air: 400 Temperatures (ºC) Injector: 200 Detector: 225 Column: 50-170 at 10 ºC/min

Figure 3.5.1 A chromatogram of the target concentration, where the peaks are identified as follows: 1=methanol, 2 = methylene chloride, 3 = ethyl lactate, 4 = n-heptanol, and 5 = butyl lactate.

3.5.2 Peak areas are measured by an integrator or other suitable means.

3.6 Interferences (analytical)

3.6.1 Any compound that produces a response and has a similar retention time as the analyte is a potential interference. If any potential interferences were reported, they should be considered before samples are desorbed. Generally, chromatographic conditions can be altered to separate an interference from the analyte.

3.6.2 When necessary, the identity or purity of an analyte peak may be confirmed by a GC-mass spectrometer or by another analytical procedure.

3.7 Calculations

3.7.1 The instrument was calibrated with a standard of 241.4 µg/mL ethyl lactate in the desorbing solution. The linearity of the calibration was checked with a standard of 965.6 µg/mL (20 ppm).

3.7.2 If the calibration is non-linear, two or more standard at different concentrations must be analyzed, bracketing the samples, so a calibration curve can be plotted and sample values obtained.

3.7.3 Values (µg) obtained from the blanks are subtracted from air samples.

3.7.4 To calculate the concentration of analyte in the air sample the following formulas are used:

mass of analyte in sample =

(mg/mL)(desorption volume) desorption efficiency

 

number of moles of analyte =

mass of analyte in sample molecular weight

Volume the analyte will occupy at 25ºC and 760 mmHg is number of moles of analyte times the molar volume at 25ºC and 760 mmHg.

ppm =

(volume analyte occupies)(106) air volume

3.7.5 The above equations can be consolidated to the following formula.

ppm =

(mg/mL)(DV(24.46)(106)(g)(mg) (10 L)(DE)(MW)(1000 mg)(1000 mg)

µg/mL = concentration of analyte in sample or standard
24.46 = molar volume (liters/mole) at 25ºC and 760 mmHg
MW = molecular weight (g/mole)
DV = desorption volume
10 L = 10 liter air sample
DE = desorption efficiency

* All units must cancel.

3.7.6 This calculation is done for each section of the sampling tube and the results added together.

3.8 Safety precautions (analytical)

3.8.1 Avoid skin contact and inhalation of all chemicals.

3.8.2 Wear safety glasses, gloves and a lab coat at all times while in the laboratory areas.

5.1 Browning, E., "Toxicity and Metabolism of Industrial Solvents", American Elsevier, New York, 1965.

5.2 Gosselin, R.E., H.C. Hodge, R.P. Smith, and M.N. Gleason, "Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products", Fourth Edition, Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore, 1976.

5.3 Lewis, R., "Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary", Twelfth Edition, Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., New York, 1993, p. 495.

5.4 Sweet, D., "Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances", 1985-86 Edition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Center for Disease Control, NIOSH, 1987, Vol. 3A, p. 3024.

5.5 Clayton, G.D. and F.E. Clayton, "Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology", Third Edition, John Wiley Sons, New York, 1981, Vol. 2A, pp. 2304-5.