Subject and Scope

The determination of analytes in very low concentration (traces) plays a fundamental role in many areas of science and technology. 

A trace means a very small level of a substance that is present alongside a large excess of other components, which causes certain effects and must be detected (with qualitative information) and determined (with quantitative information). 

A distinction is made between organic and inorganic traces. Examples of organic traces are dioxins or furans in waste gases from refuse incineration plants, fliiorochlorohydrocarbons (FCHCs) in the atmosphere, chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHCs) in water, and many others. Inorganic traces are refened to as trace elements, a concept that includes all elements (i.e., metals, semimetals, and nonmetals). Despite the different objects that must be monitored analytically, the methods and instruments in this field have so much in common that a special branch of analysis — trace analysis — has developed [1], [2]. 

For trace analysis, analytical methods with extreme powers of detection are required, which must often be coupled with enrichment steps. Another requirement follows from the fact that the traces occur alongside a large excess of other. substances (matrix). The main components are present in I O - IO -fold excess. Therefore, methods must be developed that permit trace determinations without interference by the main component (i.e., specific methods) otherwise, separation of the trace and main components must be carried out before the determination. 

The possibility of determining traces of elements arose in the 1920s with the development of spectrophotometry, spectroscopic methods, and polarography. Trace analysis was carried out very intensively and with great sophistication in connection with the development and production of the first atomic bomb. Later, it received an important stimulus from the development of novel materials, especially semiconductors. 

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This contribution provides an overview of contemporary synthetic methods of broad applicability that involve the preparation and use of nickel jt-complexes as starting materials or reactive intermediates. Numerous excellent reviews on the chemistry of nickel have appeared that are complementary to this contribution in subject and scope. An outstanding review by Chetcuti describes the knovm jt-complexes of nickel,I l and several other structural classes of nickel complexes have been reviewed " o-bonded organo-nickel compounds are reviewed in Houben-Weyl, Vol. 13/9b, pp 632-700. The historical development and early applications of nickel chemistry have been reviewed byWilkePl and Jolly,I ] industrial applications have been reviewed by Keim,Pl and several other reviews on specific groups of synthetic transformations have appeared. The organometallic... 

Author Manas Chanda takes an innovative problem-solving approach in which the text presents worked-out problems or questions with answers at every step of the development of a new theory or concept, ensuring a better grasp of the subject and scope for self study. Containing 286 text-embedded solved problems and 277 end-of-chapter home-study problems (fully answered separately in a Solutions Manual), the book provides a comprehensive understanding of the subject. These features and more set this book apart from other currently available polymer chemistry texts. 

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