Overview
ISO 22744-2:2020 defines a laboratory test method for the qualification and quantification of organotin compounds in textiles and textile products. The standard specifies a direct liquid chromatography method (LC‑MS/MS) that extracts organotin species from textile materials using a methanol/ethanol mixture with tropolone as complexing agent and analyses the resulting mono-, di- and tri‑organotin species without derivatization. The method is applicable to all material types in textile products (see CEN/TR 16741 for material applicability).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and principle: Extraction with methanol/ethanol + tropolone; direct analysis by LC‑MS/MS (tandem mass spectrometry) using a reverse‑phase column (C18 is noted as suitable).
- Reagents: analytical‑grade solvents (methanol, ethanol, water), tropolone, ammonium formate, formic acid and certified organotin standards.
- Sample preparation: remove the material from the product and prepare test pieces (particles with maximum 4 mm edge length); up to three specimens of equal mass may be combined.
- Standards and internal standards: preparation of stock and working solutions (stock 1 000 mg/l; working examples: internal standards 2 mg/l, standards 10 mg/l). Examples of internal standards given include tri‑n‑propyltin chloride, di‑n‑heptyltin dichloride and n‑heptyltin trichloride.
- Calibration and calculation: calibration curves and conversion factors are used to express results as organotin cation mass concentrations. Tabled weighting factors convert organotin chloride mass to organotin cation mass.
- Apparatus: LC‑MS/MS, ultrasonic bath (~60 °C), filtration (0.45 μm), analytical balance (0.1 mg), volumetric glassware.
- Documentation and reporting: method includes guidelines for expression of results, reliability assessment and test reporting. Informative annexes provide example chromatographic conditions, calibration prep and method reliability data.
- Safety: organotin compounds are toxic and endocrine disruptors - specific safety measures are required.
Applications and who uses it
- Textile testing laboratories performing compliance, quality control and chemical safety testing.
- Manufacturers and suppliers of textiles and coated fabrics validating material safety and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Regulatory bodies and import/export control authorities assessing restricted substances in textile products.
- Environmental health & safety (EHS) teams and third‑party auditors conducting chemical audits or product stewardship.
Practical uses include routine screening, confirmation of suspected contamination, product release testing and supporting regulatory dossiers.
Related standards
- ISO 22744 series (other parts in the series)
- CEN/TR 16741 (material applicability guidance)
- ISO 4787 (laboratory glassware - volumetric instruments)