LC Determination of Propylene Glycol in Human Plasma After Pre-Column Derivatization with Benzoyl Chloride

A simple high-performance liquid chromatographic method, using photodiode array detection was developed for the determination of propylene glycol in human plasma and in the fluid retreived after continuous veno-venous hemofiltration. The method entailed alkaline derivatization with benzoyl chloride and ethylene glycol as internal standard. The separation of the compounds, after extraction with pentane, was carried out on a Pursuit C8 column with UV-detection at 230 nm. Validation samples were analyzed with an accuracy between 95 and 105%, and intra- and inter-day coefficients of variation of less than 8%. The calibration curve was linear over a concentration range of 5–100 mg L−1 with a detection limit of 1 mg L−1. Blood plasma samples of several patients were analysed by using the prescribed method with propylene glycol concentrations varying from 5 to 98 mg L−1. Compared to previously described LC methods, this method is ten times more sensitive and thus suitable for use in pharmacokinetic studies of propylene glycol.