Rapid quantitation of azo dyes in water and textiles by GC–TOF MS

Introduction

Azo dyes are a class of compounds containing the azo (R–N=N–R') functional group, and are widely used colouring agents in consumer goods, especially in the leather and textile industries.

However, the use of azo dyes has sparked serious health concerns in recent years – mostly attributed to reductive cleavage of the azo bond, which can lead to harmful breakdown products, including a range of aromatic amines.[1] The toxicity, carcinogenicity and potential mutagenicity of these aromatic amines to humans, as well as their potential toxicity to aquatic organisms, has accelerated the need for rigid control measures.