Progress in analytical application of an inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometer system

Summary A method for the determination of elements in liquids using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is described. The different possibilities and problems together with instrumental parameters are reviewed. After the dissolution step samples are analyzed directly without any preconcentration. Detection limits for 53 elements have been tested and are found to be less than 0.1 ng/ml. Monoisotopic elements can be detected at levels less than 0.05 ng/ml. Interference problems have been studied and hints are given to predict molecular species using algorithm implemented in software packages. The application to trace element analysis in the geological field is demonstrated with a basalt reference sample to verify figures of merit for this method. Accuracy is checked with a NBS SRM steel sample.

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Erfahrungen und Möglichkeiten mit der Anwendung eines induktiv gekoppelten Plasma/Massenspektrometer Systems

     

Application of k0-based internal mono standard instrumental neutron activation analysis method method for composition analysis of stainless steel clad sample

The k₀-based internal mono standard instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) method was used for the composition analysis of some irregular shape stainless steel (SS) samples of type SS 316M, which is used as fuel cladding in Indian fast breeder test reactor (FBTR). The method utilizes in situ relative detection efficiency using γ-rays of the activation products present in the sample for overcoming γ-ray self-attenuation. Samples were neutron activated using the thermal column as well as the core position of the reactor and the assay of radioactivity was carried out by high-resolution gamma ray spectrometry. The elements determined were Fe, Cr, Ni, Mo, Mn, Co, Cu, As and W. Since all the major elements (Fe, Cr, Ni, Mo and Mn) were amenable to NAA, the relative elemental concentrations with respect to Fe, obtained by this method, were converted to their absolute values by mass balance. The results were compared with specified compositions and found to be satisfactory. In order to validate these results obtained by the standard-less approach, sub samples of SS 316M in solution forms were analyzed by prevalent relative and k₀ methods of INAA, and results were found to be in good agreement. The accuracy of the internal mono standard INAA method has been evaluated by analyzing an alloy steel certified reference material, CRM 225/1 of British Chemical Standards (BCS).     

Environmentally benign electrophilic and radical bromination ‘on water’: H2O2-HBr system versus N-bromosuccinimide

A H₂O₂-HBr system and N-bromosuccinimide in an aqueous medium were used as a ‘green’ approach to electrophilic and radical bromination. Several activated and less activated aromatic molecules, phenylsubstituted ketones and styrene were efficiently brominated ‘on water’ using both systems at ambient temperature and without an added metal or acid catalyst, whereas various non-activated toluenes were functionalized at the benzyl position in the presence of visible light as a radical activator. A comparison of reactivity and selectivity of both brominating systems reveals the H₂O₂-HBr system to be more reactive than NBS for benzyl bromination and for the bromination of ketones, while for electrophilic aromatic substitution of methoxy-substituted tetralone it was higher for NBS. Also, higher yields of brominated aromatics were observed when using H₂O₂-HBr ‘on water’. Bromination of styrene reveals that not just the structure of the brominating reagent but the reaction conditions: amount of water, organic solvent, stirring rate and interface structure, play a key role in defining the outcome of bromination (dibromination vs bromohydroxylation). In addition, mild reaction conditions, a straightforward isolation procedure, inexpensive reagents and a lower environment impact make aqueous brominating methods a possible alternative to other reported brominating protocols.     

N-Bromosuccinimide mediated synthesis of triazatruxenes from indoles

A new synthetic method for triazatruxenes from indoles is developed using N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) as a user-friendly reagent. Major reaction parameters including the amount of NBS, substrate concentration, temperature, addition rate and addition method are investigated. Additional experiments are also conducted in order to gain access toward the reaction mechanism. Compared to the use of Br₂ in the conventional method, this reaction requires less reaction time, provides better yields, and displays excellent reproducibility. The reaction can be conveniently performed at 10 g scale and it is also applicable to several substituted indoles, benzoindole, and N-alkyl indoles.     

A mild oxidation of deactivated naphthalenes and anthracenes to corresponding para-quinones by N-bromosuccinimide

A new method to synthesize 1,4-naphthoquinone and 9,10-anthraquinone from naphthalene and anthracene functionalized with either –CHO or –COOH groups, using N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) in aqueous N,N-dimethylformamide at 75–80 °C, has been developed. Further, –CN and –CONH₂ functionalized naphthalenes and anthracenes can also be transformed into respective para-quinones in a one pot reaction, after successive acid hydrolysis and subsequent reaction with NBS. We believe that the present finding may serve as a valuable alternative to the classical approaches for the synthesis of polycyclic quinones from polyaromatic carbaldehydes through Dakin oxidation followed by further oxidation of the resulting hydroquinone by heavy metal oxides.     

Simultaneous determination of sixteen major and minor elements in river sediments by energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometry after fusion in lithium tetraborate glass

Fluvial sediments, including the NBS SRM-1645 Standard River Sediment, were fused in lithium tetraborate to form glass discs on which determinations of 16 elements (K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr and Pb) were obtained simultaneously at a single set of x-ray conditions by energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (e.d.x.r.f.). Relatively high sample-to-flux ratios of 1:3 were employed to obtained determinations of several minor as well as major elements on a single disc. Lower sample concentrations 1:6 and 1:10 were also used with the NBS SRM-1645. Inter-element corrections for absorption by iron were significant for detectable elements heavier than iron. In the NBS SRM-1645 samples, corrections were made for the fluorescence of chromium by the Fe K lines as well as the absorption of the Fe K lines by chromium. A background correction was also necessary for manganese in NBS SRM-1645. At the lowest sample-to-flux ratio (1:10) good agreement was obtained between the e.d.x.r.f. determinations and the NBS values for all quantifiable elements except zinc. At higher sample-to-flux ratios, agreement with the NBS values was generally poorer with increasing sample concentration. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the eight quantifiable major and minor elements (K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Zn, Sr and Zr) determined under a single set of x-ray conditions ranged from 2 to 9% (RSD) with a mean RSD of 4.4% for a set of replica discs fused with Lake Pueblo/Arkansas River sediment samples.     

Highly efficient and N-bromosuccinimide-mediated conversion of carbohydrates to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural under mild conditions

Highly efficient and selective conversion of different carbohydrates to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) has been successfully performed with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) as a promoter. In the presence of single NBS, a 64.2 % yield of HMF from fructose was obtained in N-methylpyrrolidone for 2 h. The effects of time, temperature and reaction media are discussed. It was concluded that the preliminary bromination of substrate could improve the generation of HMF compared to the direct dehydration process. Moreover, the HMF yield could be elevated to 79.6 and 82.3 % when FeCl₃ and SnCl₄ were used as the additives, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of CrCl₃ facilitated the conversion pathway from glucose, sucrose, inulin, or cellulose to HMF. A 57.3, 68.2, 62.4, or 6.1 % yield of HMF was, respectively, obtained in the presence of CrCl₃ and NBS under mild conditions, which will therefore generate a promising application strategy for biomass transformation.     

Flow injection chemiluminescence determination of nitrofurazone in pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids based on oxidation by singlet oxygen generated in N-bromosuccinimide-hydrogen peroxide reaction

A simple flow injection chemiluminescence (FI-CL) method was proposed for the determination of nitrofurazone. Strong CL signal was generated during the reaction of nitrofurazone with H₂O₂ and N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) in alkaline condition. The CL signal was proportional to the nitrofurazone concentration in the range 1.0 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁵ g mL⁻¹. The detection limit was 2 × 10⁻⁸ g mL⁻¹ nitrofurazone and the relative standard deviation was less than 4% (6.0 × 10⁻⁶ g mL⁻¹ nitrofurazone, n = 11). The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of nitrofurazone in compound furacillin nasal drops, human plasma and urine samples. The CL reaction mechanism was also discussed briefly. Singlet oxygen generated in the reaction between H₂O₂ and NBS was suggested to be participated in the CL reaction.     

Metal triflate catalyzed highly regio- and stereoselective 1,2-bromoazidation of alkenes using NBS and TMSN3 as the bromine and azide sources

Metal triflate catalyzed 1,2-bromoazidation of alkenes was performed using N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) and trimethylsilyl azide (TMSN₃) as the bromine and azide sources, respectively. Among the metal triflates, Zn(OTf)₂ was found to be the best catalyst. This catalytic process represents a highly regioselective, stereoselective and high yielding method for the synthesis of anti-1,2-bromoazides from a variety of alkenes including α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds.     

Determination of trace elements in uranium oxide by Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence spectrometry

A study on the applicability of Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence for the determination of multielements in trace amounts in U₃O₈ matrix has been made. The calibration of the Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence spectrometer and the validation of the method were done using multielement standards. The trace elements present in U₃O₈ standards and samples were determined after separating the U matrix by solvent extraction using tri-n-butyl phosphate and trioctyl phosphine oxide as extractants. From the aqueous phase the elements K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Pb and Ba, etc., were determined by Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence using Ga as an internal standard. An intercomparison of the Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence determined concentrations of the trace elements specific to nuclear fuel, e.g. Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn in U₃O₈ standards/samples with certified concentrations for these elements in U₃O₈ standards and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy determined concentrations in real U₃O₈ samples was also made. The method shows a precision and accuracy better than 5% (1σ) for most elements in concentration range of ng/mL with a sample size of 10 μL.     

Spectrophotometric flow-injection analysis of mercury(II) in pharmaceuticals with p-nitrobenzoxosulfamate

A new, simple and rapid spectrophotometric FI method for the accurate and precise determination of Hg(II) in pharmaceutical preparations has been developed. The method is based on the measuring the decrease of absorbance intensity of p-nitrobenzoxosulfamate (NBS) due to the complexation with Hg(II). The absorption peak of the NBS, which is decreased linearly by addition of Hg(II), occurs at 430 nm in 2×10⁻⁴ mol l⁻¹ HNO₃ as a carrier solution. Optimization of chemical and FI variables has been made. A micro column consisting of several packing materials applied instead of reaction coil was also investigated. A background level of Fe(III) maintained in reagent carrier solution with NBS was found useful for sensitivity and selectivity. Under the optimized conditions, the sampling rate was over 100 h⁻¹, the calibration curve obtained were linear over the range 1-10 μg ml⁻¹, the detection limit was lower than 0.2 μg ml⁻¹ for a 20 μl injection volume, and the precision [S_r=1% at 2 μg ml⁻¹ Hg(II) (n=10)] was found quite satisfactory. Application of the method to the analysis of Hg(II) in pharmaceutical preparations resulted a good agreement between the expected and found values.     

Determination of lead,tin, tellurium,and some doping elements in PbxSn1−xTe

A single method, based on gravimetric and polarographic analysis, has been developed to determine, in the same sample, the fundamental constituents and some doping elements in the Pb_xSn_1?xTe system. First tellurium is separated by sulfur dioxide in an acid solution (5% in HCl). This medium is suitable both for the total tellurium separation and for the subsequent tin precipitation by phenylarsonic acid. Moreover, this analytical procedure allows determination in the same sample, the concentration of some doping elements such as copper, cadmium, and zinc which are necessary to vary some physical properties of the Pb_xSn_1?xTe semiconductor system. The trace elements were determined by stripping voltammetry after tellurium, tin, and lead separation. The residual solution contains a variable amount of phenylarsonic acid which makes difficult quantitative polarographic measurements, because the electrodissolution potentials are varied and peak heights are masked. However, polarographic measurements are not altered through a wide range of phenylarsonic acid concentration if the solution is previously neutralized.     

Instrumental neutron activation analysis of Moroccan geological samples using the k0-standardization method

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) for traces and major elements of several geological samples from “Zgounder” region in Morocco was performed utilizing the k ₀-standardization method. Sample irradiation has been done by the 250 kW Triga Mark II reactor at Jozef Stefan Institute in Slovenia. Due to its accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, the k ₀-standardization method is the most suitable method for non-destructive multielement analysis mainly for trace elements in rocks. It requires an accurate knowledge of the parameters of the irradiation facilities and other instrumentation parameters. It is an absolute standardization method, where the absolute nuclear data are replaced by a nuclear constant, the k ₀-factor, determined experimentally with high accuracy. More than 40 elements were determined using about 30-second short and about 7-hour long irradiations. Gamma-rays emitted from the irradiated samples have been determined by a high purity germanium detector. Accuracy was assessed using the standard reference material AGV-1. This was less than 1% for major elements and about 5% for traces. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Determination of k 0-factors and validation of k 0-INAA for short-lived nuclides

For standardization of k ₀-based instrumental neutron activation analysis, k ₀-factors for short-lived nuclides (half-lives—11 s to 37 min) of elements F, Se, Sc, Al, V, Ti, Cu, Ca, Mg, I, and Cl with respect to gold (¹⁹⁷Au) were determined using pneumatic carrier facility (PCF) at CIRUS reactor of BARC, Mumbai. Characterization of PCF was carried out by cadmium-ratio method using Au and Zr. The experimental k ₀-factors of the isotopes were found to be in good agreement with the recommended k ₀-factors in most of the cases, as evident from the values of % error and U-score at 95% confidence level. The method was validated by determining concentrations of elements through their short-lived nuclides in one type of the synthetic multielement standards (SMELS-I) obtained from SCK-CEN, Belgium. The method was also applied for determination of concentrations of some of the elements in two reference materials of IAEA, SL-3, and SL-1.     

On the nature of the phenylazo group

Three Hammett substituent constants for the p-phenylazo group were determined. The ionization of p-phenylazobenzoic acid in 50% ethanol gives a σ_p value of 0·26. The NBS bromination of p-phenylazotoluene vs toluene in benzene at 80° gives a σ⁺ value of ?0·15. The NBS bromination of 4-phenylazo-3-cyanotoluene vs m-tolunitrile in benzene at 80° give a σ^. value of 0·28. It is concluded that the phenylazo group is a ?I substituent and either a +M or ?M substituent depending on the reaction being studied. This makes the phenylazo group an activator in nucleophilic, electrophilic and free radical reactions.     

An accurate method for the determination of copper in biological materials by neutron activation analysis and extraction chromatography

Distribution coefficients of 14 elements between LIX 70 in toluene and aqueous 1M NaNO₃ solution containing varying concentrations of HCl or suitable buffer, respectively, were determined by batch equilibration. It was shown that very selective separation of Cu from other elements can be achieved on columns with LIX 70 supported on Bio-Beads SM-1. Highly accurate and precise method for the determination of trace amounts of Cu in biological materials was devised by combining NAA with extraction chromatography. Results of copper determination in NBS 1570 /Spinach/, IAEA H-4 /Animal muscle/ and IAEA V-8 /Rye flour/ are presented.     

Catalytic and chemoselective deprotection of S,S- and S,O-acetals and ketals in the presence of their O,O-analogs with electrophilic halogens under neutral conditions

A novel and catalytic method is described for the selective deprotection of S,S- and S,O-acetals and ketals in the presence of their O,O-analogs to their corresponding carbonyl compounds based on the use of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS), 2,4,4,6-tetrabromo-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1-one (TABCO), trichlorocyanuric acid (TCCA) or molecular bromine as sources of electrophilic halogens in the presence of DMSO as the source of oxygen in CHCl₃.     

Improvement of hardness and anti-corrosion behavior of mild steel by plasma sprayed coating of Al2O3/GO composite

A robust and fast non-transferred plasma torch method was employed for developing coating of alumina (A₂O₃) and alumina/graphene oxide (A₂O₃/GO) on mild steel. Micro Raman analysis of GO confirms its spectroscopic behavior. The energy band gap of GO was determined as 3.44 eV. The successful coating formation of A₂O₃ and A₂O₃/GO (0.5 wt%) on mild steel was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Microhardness of mild steel was found to increase about 43.75% after coating with A₂O₃/GO (0.5 wt%) composite. The microstructure of A₂O₃/GO (0.5 wt%) coated mild steel represents better quality of coating and improved structural behavior. Mild steel becomes more corrosive resistance by reduction of corrosion potential (less negative than −0.05 V) after A₂O₃/GO (0.5 wt%) coating on it.     

Heat capacity and thermodynamic functions of MnBr2 · 4D2O and MnCl2 · 4D2O

The heat capacities of MnBr₂ · 4D₂O and MnCl₂ · 4D₂O have been experimentally determined from 1.4 to 300 K. The smoothed heat capacity and thermodynamic functions (H°_TH°₀) and S°_T are reported for the two compounds over the temperature range 10 to 300 K. The error in the thermodynamic functions at 10 K is estimated to be 3%. Additional error in the tabulated values arising from the heat capacity data above 10 K is thought to be less than 1%. A λ-shaped heat capacity anomaly was observed for MnCl₂ · 4D₂O at 48 K. The entropy associated with the anomaly is 1.2 ± 0.2 J/mole K.     

Ionic liquid promoted regioselective monobromination of aromatic substrates with N-bromosuccinimide

Aromatic substrates were monobrominated regioselectively with NBS in the ionic liquid 1,3-di-n-butylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [bbim]BF₄ in 5 min at 28°C in excellent isolated yields (80-98%) in the absence of a catalyst.