I just received this question and don't know the answer - perhaps someone on the list does.

Our group has a couple of questions regarding two chemicals, o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) and 2-mercaptanethanol (BME).  We have been using these two for many years in our fluorimetric analysis of amino acids in sugar beets.  The instruments for this analysis are the rather old Gilson 121 which we have adapted for our use.  Recently, we contacted another vendor for a similar instrument but were told by the vendor's rep the EU has banned (or is soon to ban) the use of these chemicals and therefore his firm will no longer be producing the instrument.

Today, I spent about two hours on the internet attempting to confirm this claim regarding the EU's ban, but to no avail.  We understand the toxicity, both human and aquatic, of these substances, but do not find them listed either for the US or the EU.  Though the implications of the recent publishing of GHS's final rule leads me to be cautious about using any chemical having even moderate characteristics, I need be sure how long we can continue to use them.  In lieu of our ability to continue their use, we will be looking at the spectrometric "blue" (copper) method.

The question came from a lab tech at American Crystal Sugar - I've suggested he join the Division and get on the listserv!

Russ