| Abstract: | A method is described for the analysis of soils for residues of the herbicide diclofop-methyl, methyl (RS)-2-4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenoxy]propionate, and its breakdown product diclofop, (RS)-2-4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenoxy]propionic acid. Diclofop-methyl undergoes hydrolysis in the soil to diclofop, which also has herbicidal activity. A procedure, using a 1% phosphoric acid solution for extraction purposes, has been developed and gives good recoveries of both diclofop-methyl and diclofop at the 0.5 and 0.05 mg kg?1 levels. After methylation, gas-liquid chromatography with electron-capture detection is used to determine total residue concentrations. |
