Organic solutions, atomic emission spectroscopy

Chapter 11 details the relevant methods of analysis for both metals and organic compounds. For elemental (metal) analysis, particular attention is given to atomic spectroscopic methods, including atomic absorption and atomic emission spectroscopy. Details are also provided on X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for the direct analysis of metals in solids, ion chromatography for anions in solution, and anodic stripping voltammetry for metal ions in solution. For organic compounds,... 

Most chemists are familiar with atomic emission spectroscopic techniques for metal analysis of aqueous solutions and are equally aware that most of these methods cannot be readily applied to non-aqueous samples. In recent years atomic spectroscopy instrumentation has increased in sophistication allowing the analysis of a wide range of samples on a routine basis for metals content using manual or automated methods. This book aims to cover the importance of metal analysis for a range of organic samples. 

Except for a few attempts to vaporize directly a solid sample by a rapid heating technique, the sample for atomic fluorescence is a liquid solution that can be aspirated into a flame. The same type of sample preparation therefore is required as is necessary for flame emission and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The sample must be in solution, free of solid particles, and of low viscosity. The comparison standards should have the same physical characteristics as the sample solution. If organic solvents are used for the sample solution, they also must be used for the comparison standards. 

Chapter 16 dealt with the spectrometric determination of substances in solution, that is, the absorption of energy by molecules, either organic or inorganic. This chapter deals with the spectroscopy of atoms. Since atoms are the simplest and purest form of matter and cannot rotate or vibrate as a molecule does, only electronic transitions within the atom can take place when energy is absorbed. Because the transitions are discrete (quantized), line spectra are observed. There are various ways to obtain free atoms (atomic vapor) and to measure the absorption or emission of radiation by these. 

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