GC-TEA Nitroso and Nitro Detection

Selective detection for nitroso and nitro compounds. Trace-level sensitivity. Proven across regulated industries.

Nitroso and nitro compounds appear in pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, forensics and industrial chemistry. For nitrosamine analysis, standard GC detectors struggle at the concentrations regulators now expect. GC-TEA in nitroso mode gives you compound-level detection, with a selectivity that general-purpose detectors cannot match.

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Compatible with most GCs

The 800 Series TEA connects to the MS port of most gas chromatographs. Add selective nitroso detection to your existing setup without replacing your current instrument.
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Trace-level sensitivity

Sensitivity of less than 2 pg N/sec at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3:1. Suited to methods where detection limits are set in the parts-per-billion range.
Capable
Responds only to what you're looking for

The TEA produces a signal only from nitroso and nitro compounds. Everything else in the sample is ignored, giving you a clean result without extensive sample cleanup.

When general-purpose detection is not enough

Standard GC detectors respond to a wide range of compounds. In complex sample matrices, that creates interference. Background noise competes with the signal from low-level nitrosamines, and the result is either unreliable data or a method that requires extensive cleanup before it can run.

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The TEA responds specifically to nitroso and nitro compounds. By making the detector itself selective, GC-TEA gives you a clean signal from the compounds you care about, without fighting the rest of the sample matrix.

Selective at the point of detection

The TEA's selectivity comes from what happens after separation. Here is how the process works.
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Step 1 - Separation

The gas chromatograph separates the compounds in your sample. Each compound elutes from the column at a different time, arriving at the detector individually.

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Step 2 - Pyrolysis

The GC effluent passes into the TEA's pyrolyser. Nitroso and nitro compounds cleave at the N-N bond, releasing nitrosyl radicals. The pyrolyser temperature is selectable between 250 and 700°C. An optional CTR filter removes most by-products before they reach the reaction chamber.

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Step 3 - Reaction

The nitrosyl radicals react with ozone in the reaction chamber. This produces electronically excited NO2, which rapidly decays to its ground state, emitting light in the near-infrared region.

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Step 4 - Detection

A photomultiplier measures the emitted light. The signal corresponds directly to the nitroso or nitro compounds present in the original sample.

Where GC-TEA in nitroso mode is used

GC-TEA in nitroso mode is used in regulatory compliance workflows across pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. Its selectivity for the nitroso and nitro compound class means it does not respond to other matrix components.
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Pharmaceuticals

Drug substances and finished products are screened for nitrosamine impurities including NDMA, NDEA, NMBA, and related compounds, in line with ICH M7 and EMA/FDA guidance. The TEA's trace-level sensitivity makes it well suited for methods where limits are set in the parts-per-billion range.
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Explosives Analysis

Nitroaromatic compounds, nitrate esters, and other nitrogen-containing explosive materials produce a strong, selective response in the TEA's nitroso mode. GC-TEA is used in forensic and security laboratories where trace-level detection of explosive residues is required in complex matrices.
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Food and Beverages

Nitrosamines form in cured meats, malt, beer, and other food products through reactions between nitrites and amines. GC-TEA provides the compound-level resolution needed to identify individual species rather than total nitrosamine content.
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Cosmetics and Personal Care

Nitrosamines can form from secondary amines in formulations. Testing requirements have grown alongside regulatory scrutiny in the EU and elsewhere. GC-TEA in nitroso mode provides the sensitivity and selectivity required for low-level detection in complex personal care matrices.
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Tobacco

Tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) are a well-established area of application for GC-TEA. The method has been used in this sector for decades.
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Rubber and Elastomers

Nitrosamines form during the vulcanisation process in rubber manufacturing. GC-TEA is used to measure volatile nitrosamines in rubber products, including those intended for food contact.
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Cannabis

Nitrosamine testing in cannabis and hemp is an emerging requirement as regulations develop. GC-TEA provides the compound-level detection needed for accurate results in complex matrices.
TEA is a very useful instrument. I use it to detect traces of organic explosions in many different types of samples. It is a very sensitive detection instrument and not complicated. We get help from engineers if we have any problems. Gives us great clear results. I like to work with it.
Hamda Ali
Dubai police
Love this piece of equipment. Works with Empower 3 software. Uses research grade oxygen. Very reliable instrument.
Stephen Whitenack
Enthalpy Analytical LLC
Brilliant, very little footprint.
Paul Billman
Crisp Malting Group

Planning a nitrosamine testing programme? Our Nitrosamine Analysis Buyers Guide covers detector options, method considerations, and how to choose the right configuration for your application.

 

Nitrosamine Analysis Buyers Guide

 

Download

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Works with your existing GC, or as a complete system

Add the TEA to your existing instrument

The 800 Series TEA connects to the MS port of most gas chromatographs. If you already have a GC in your lab, the TEA can be added without replacing your current setup.

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Complete GC-TEA systems from Ellutia

For labs building a new testing capability, Ellutia offers complete GC-TEA systems using our own gas chromatographs.
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200 Series GC with TEA

Compact and reliable. Suited to routine nitrosamine testing.

View the 200 Series GC
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500 Series GC with TEA

Conventional, fast, and ultra-fast chromatography from one instrument.

View the 500 Series GC

Not ready to talk yet? The 800 Series TEA brochure has the specifications, operating modes, and configuration details you need to assess whether it fits your setup.

 

800 Series TEA Brochure

 

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Talk to our team about your method

If you need to add TEA detection to your current GC setup, or you are starting from scratch, our team can talk through what the right configuration looks like for your application. We have worked with labs across pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and other regulated industries.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions