Infrared continued sample preparation

These are GC-IR (5), LC-IR (6), and diffuse reflectance (7). On-the-fly GC-IR systems are commercially available, and lower detection limits are being continually reported. While GC-IR may not replace GC/MS in residue and metabolism work, it can provide valuable data in these areas. On-the-fly LC-IR systems have been developed and are also commercially available. The major problem in these systems is the strong infrared absorbence of many common LC solvents. However, with proper selection of solvents and the development of LC conditions specifically designed for the LC-IR experiment, these problems may be overcome. Recent reports on diffuse reflectance measurements by FTIR indicate the technique may provide a method of examining formulated material or TLC spots with no sample preparation. While this technique is still in the development stage, it may become quite significant in the future. 

The purity of the xenon difluoride can be checked by measuring the absorption in the infrared (synthesis 66). Samples prepared as described above, with continuous trapping, contain less than 1 % xenon tetrafluoride, even if the initial fluorine-to-xenon ratio is varied from 0.1 to over 6. 

Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and pH measurements are the techniques most often adapted for in-line IPC. pH measurements are used for reactions that are run in water or have an aqueous component, e.g., an aqueous extraction. FTIR is especially good for monitoring continuous reactions [12] and reactions that would be dramatically changed by exposure to the atmosphere and temperature of the laboratory. Suitable reactions include low-temperature reactions, reactions run under pressure, reactions with gaseous or toxic materials (e.g., ethylene oxide), and reactions run under inert atmosphere. Further advantages of in-line assays are that no samples need to be prepared, and assay results can be generated within minutes. 

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