Analysis of picric acid in water by high-performance liquid chromatography

Methods for the determination of picric acid (2,4,6, trinitrophenol) in water employing high-performance liquid chromatography are presented. Ion-pair chromatography under an isocratic condition is performed on a reverse-phase column. Picric acid can be determined directly in water at a lower detection limit of 10 micrograms per liter. By use of an extraction procedure, detection down to 0.1 microgram per liter can be realized.