Analytical atomic spectrometric basis

Introduction Basis of Analytical Atomic Spectrometric Techniques... 

The review by Maenhaut (1990) (Recent advances in nuclear and atomic spectrometric techniques for trace element analysis - A new look at the position of PIXE) is an excellent review by a respected PIXE practitioner. It includes a comparison of DLs on a solid sample basis for seventeen elements for seven analytical techniques INAA, ED-XRE, PIXE, ICP-AES, ETA-AAS, LIE-ETA, ICP-MS, and also includes a good comparison of some characteristics (cost, spectral interferences, matrix effects, multielement capability) of these methods (and TXRE). 

Hufford et al [57] used proton and 13C NMR spectrometric data to establish the novel sulfur-containing microbial metabolite of primaquine. Microbial metabolic studies of primaquine using Streptomyces roseochromogenus produced an A-acety-lated metabolite and a methylene-linked dimeric product, both of which have been previously reported, and a novel sulfur-containing microbial metabolite. The structure of the metabolite as an S-linked dimer was proposed on the basis of spectral and chemical data. The molecular formula C34H44N604S was established from field-desorption mass spectroscopy and analytical data. The 1H- and 13C NMR spectra data established that the novel metabolite was a symmetrical substituted dimer of primaquine A-acetate with a sulfur atom linking the two units at carbon 5. The metabolite is a mixture of stereoisomers, which can equilibrate in solution. This observation was confirmed by microbial synthesis of the metabolite from optically active primaquine. 

The existence and properties of individual molecules, atoms, and ions in the gaseous state provide a fundamental basis for elemental spectrometric analytical determinations. Classical techniques based on these principles have been utilized for decades for the major, minor, and trace analysis of substances in virtually every field of science. The enhancement of techniques based on these properties has recently resulted in technology that exhibits ultratrace analysis sensitivity (sub-part-per-million detectability) and allows expansion of the scope of analysis to the rarer and more exotic elements. A basic understanding of some of the fundamental atomic properties of the elements that are used for mass spectrometric analysis is required to fully utilize this technology. 

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