Volatilization of trichothecene mycotoxins for analysis

T-2 toxin and diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS), two trichothecene mycotoxins containing one hydroxy group, have been volatilized by induction heating, revolatilized, and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and/or GC mass spectroscopy. Seventy to eighty percent of DAS was recovered by this system; 60–70% T-2 toxin was recovered. When the hydroxy group is derivatized by acetate, 90–100% recovery is obtained. Other trichothecenes of the macrocyclic ester type (e.g., Roridan A) were also tried. Ten to twenty percent of the macrocyclic ester was obtained without derivatization.