Flow injection determination of bismuth in urine by successive retention of Bi(III) and tetrahydroborate(III) on an anion-exchange resin and hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry

Bismuth as BiCl₄⁻ and BH₄⁻ ware successively retained in a column (150 mm × 4 mm, length × i.d.) packed with Amberlite IRA-410 (strong anion-exchange resin). This was followed by passage of an injected slug of hydrochloric acid resulting in bismuthine generation (BiH₃). BiH₃ was stripped from the eluent solution by the addition of a nitrogen flow and the bulk phases were separated in a gas–liquid separator. Finally, bismutine was atomized in a quartz tube for the subsequent detection of bismuth by atomic absorption spectrometry. Different halide complexes of bismuth (namely, BiBr₄⁻, BiI₄⁻ and BiCl₄⁻) were tested for its pre-concentration, being the chloride complexes which produced the best results. Therefore, a concentration of 0.3 mol l⁻¹ of HCl was added to the samples and calibration solutions. A linear response was obtained between the detection limit (3σ) of 0.225 and 80 μg l⁻¹. The R.S.D.% (n = 10) for a solution containing 50 μg l⁻¹ of Bi was 0.85%. The tolerance of the system to interferences was evaluated by investigating the effect of the following ions: Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Mg²⁺. The most severe depression was caused by Hg²⁺, which at 60 mg l⁻¹ caused a 5% depression on the signal. For the other cations, concentrations between 1000 and 10,000 mg l⁻¹ could be tolerated. The system was applied to the determination of Bi in urine of patients under therapy with bismuth subcitrate. The recovery of spikes of 5 and 50 μg l⁻¹ of Bi added to the samples prior to digestion with HNO₃ and H₂O₂ was in satisfactory ranges from 95.0 to 101.0%. The concentrations of bismuth found in six selected samples using this procedure were in good agreement with those obtained by an alternative technique (ETAAS). Finally, the concentration of Bi determined in urine before and after 3 days of treatment were 1.94 ± 1.26 and 9.02 ± 5.82 μg l⁻¹, respectively.     

Electrochemical behavior of methyl viologen at graphite electrodes modified with Nafion sol–gel composite

Electrodes were prepared by spin-coating spectroscopic graphite rods with a Nafion doped sol. Coating solutions consisting of Nafion:TEOS (tetraethoxysilane) ratios of 3:1 and 4:1 gave smooth films on the electrode surface. These modified electrodes were evaluated and compared with Nafion modified and bare spectroscopic graphite electrodes using methyl viologen (MV²⁺) as a representative cationic electroactive probe. Substantial partitioning of MV²⁺ into the Nafion:sol–gel matrix to the electrode surface was observed by cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry. Cyclic voltammograms of MV²⁺ in 0.1 M NaCl at Nafion:sol–gel 4:1 modified electrodes showed a reversible reduction to MV⁺ with E^0′=−0.695 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Results of scan rate variation showed the wave to be characterized by semi-infinite diffusion for scan rates in the range 50–500 mV/s. Slowing the scan rate below 50 mV/s resulted in a transition to thin-layer behavior. MV²⁺ partitioned much more quickly into the sol–gel-Nafion modified electrodes compared to pure Nafion modified electrodes. Reversibility of the MV²⁺-loaded modified Nafion-doped sol–gel coatings on electrodes was obtained by soaking in 1 M NaCl solution. Concentration calibration plots for MV²⁺ at the sol–gel-Nafion modified electrodes were nonlinear. Substantial enhancement of current signal at low concentrations was observed by square wave voltammetry.     

Investigation of equilibration and uncertainty contributions for the determination of inorganic mercury and methylmercury by isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

The mass fractions of Hg and methylmercury, in two certified reference materials, NIST2710 and DORM-2, have been determined by total and species-specific isotope dilution analysis (IDA), respectively, and uncertainty budgets for each analysis calculated. The mass fraction of Hg in NIST2710 was determined by ID using multicollector sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-SF-ICP-MS) whilst the mass fraction of methylmercury in DORM-2 was determined using HPLC coupled with quadrupole ICP-MS.

The extent of equilibration between the spike and the particulate bound mercury compounds was studied temporally by monitoring the ²⁰⁰Hg:¹⁹⁹Hg isotope amount ratio and by determining the total amount of Hg in the liquid phase. For the NIST2710 complete equilibration was only achieved when concentrated HNO₃ in combination with a microwave digestion was employed, and good agreement between the found (31.7±4.0 μg g⁻¹, expanded uncertainty k=2) and certified (32.6±1.8 μg g⁻¹) values was obtained. For DORM-2 complete equilibration of methylmercury between the liquid and solid phases was achieved when using 50:50 H₂O:CH₃OH (v/v) and 0.01% 2-mercaptoethanol as the solvent. Even though only 50% of the analyte was extracted into the liquid phase, complete equilibration was achieved, hence, the found methylmercury mass fraction (4.25±0.47 μg g⁻¹, expanded uncertainty k=2) was in good agreement with the certified value (4.47±0.32 μg g⁻¹).     

Enhancement of the chemiluminescence of penicillamine and ephedrine after derivatization with aldehydes using tris(bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) peroxydisulfate system and its analytical application

A novel sequential injection (SI) method was developed for the determination of penicillamine (PA) and ephedrine (EP) based on the reaction of these drugs with tris(bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)₃²⁺) and peroxydisulfate (S₂O₈²⁻) in the presence of light. Derivatization of PA and EP with aldehydes has resulted in a significant enhancement of the chemiluminescence emission signal by at least 25 times for PA and 12 times for EP, leading to better sensitivities and lower detection limits for both drugs. The instrumental setup utilized a syringe pump and a multiposition valve to aspirate the reagents, (Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ and S₂O₈²⁻), and a peristaltic pump to propel the sample. The experimental conditions affecting the derivatization reaction and the chemiluminescence reaction were systematically optimized using the univariate approach. Under the optimum conditions linear calibration curves between 0.2–24 μg mL⁻¹ for PA and 0.2–20 μg mL⁻¹ for EP were obtained. The detection limits were 0.1 μg mL⁻¹ for PA and 0.03 μg mL⁻¹ for EP. The procedure was applied to the analysis of PA and EP in pharmaceutical products and was found to be free from interferences from concomitants usually present in these preparations.     

Photoionization mass spectrometry of kinetic energy-selected ions. The translational energy distribution of N /N2 in the inner-shell ionization energy range

An ion retarding potential difference (IRPD) method has been used to investigate the ion yield and kinetic energy distributions of N⁺/N₂ produced by photoionization mass specrometry using synchrotron radiation. Photoion yield curves of energy selected N⁺ ions are deduced. Translational energy distribution of N⁺ at energies of the N(1s)→π*, N(1s)→(nl)¹ and above the N(1s)⁻¹ threshold are determined. Comparison is made with previous photoin-photoelectron coincidence work using time-of-flight (TOF) measurements.     

The structure of C5H5RFe+ (R = F,Cl, Br,I, O,OH, OCH3, C6H5, H) ions in the gas phase and the generation of their neutral counterparts by neutralization-reionization mass spectrometry

The structure of C₅H₅FeR^+˙ ions was studied by tandem mass spectrometry that included the neutralization-reionization (NR) method. Halogen-containing species (R = F, Cl, Br, I) showed fragmentation that was consistent with a structure that has the cyclopentadienyl ring and R as separate ligands at the metal atom (structure A). This structure also was identified for C₅H₅FeO⁺ and CpFeOH^+˙ ions, but these species also easily isomerized to metal-cyclopentadiene structure, RC₅H₅Fe^+˙ (B), followed by hydrogen rearrangement(s) and CO loss. B was the dominant structure of C₅H₅FeH^+˙ and C₅H₅FeC₆H^+˙₅ ions. All ions that have structure A showed recovery signals in their NR mass spectra that indicated that their stable neutral counterparts were generated. The NR mass spectra also provided complementary information about the structure of ions before neutralization and after reionization.     

Quantitative analysis of fluid inclusions in evaporites by ion chromatography

Natural salt minerals often contain inclusions of saturated salt solutions with diameters from 1 to> 100 μm. With the quantification of the composition of the fluid inclusions, the origin and metamorphism of the salt rocks can be interpreted. Hence, these data are important concerning the long-term safety of underground repositories in salt rocks [1]. For the extraction of the solutions in fluid inclusions with diameters 300 μm, an optical precision instrument was developed. For the simultaneous determination of Cl⁻, Br⁻, SO₄²⁻, Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ two ion chromatographic systems with conductivity detection for cations and anions and additional photometric detection for Br⁻ were used. To prevent column overload, the Cl concentration must be less than 50 μg/ml in the measuring solution. The extracted samples (volumes> 0.1 μl) are diluted with demineralized water by a factor of 1 · 10⁴ (20-μl sample loops). The practical limit of determination for the measured elements is 0.01–0.3 μg/ml in the measuring solutions. By calculation of the anion and cation charge balance (molar equivalence), a relative error of <5% for the analysis of fluid inclusions was found.     

Evaluation of ammonia as diluent for serum sample preparation and determination of selenium by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

A method for the determination of total selenium in serum samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was evaluated. The method involved direct introduction of 1:5 diluted serum samples (1% v/v NH₄OH+0.05% w/v Triton X-100^®) into transversely heated graphite tubes, and the use of 10 μg Pd+3 μg Mg(NO₃)₂ as chemical modifier. Optimization of the modifier mass and the atomization temperature was conducted by simultaneously varying such parameters and evaluating both the integrated absorbance and the peak height/peak area ratio. The latter allowed the selection of compromise conditions rendering good sensitivity and adequate analyte peak profiles. A characteristic mass of 49 pg and a detection limit (3s) of 6 μg 1⁻¹ Se, corresponding to 30 μg l⁻¹ Se in the serum sample, were obtained. The analyte addition technique was used for calibration. The accuracy was assessed by the determination of total selenium in Seronorm™ Trace Elements Serum Batch 116 (Nycomed Pharma AS). The method was applied for the determination of total selenium in ten serum samples taken from individuals with no known physical affection. The selenium concentration ranged between 79 and 147 μg l⁻¹, with a mean value of 114±22 μg l⁻¹.     

Quantitative determination of sulfonamide in meat by liquid chromatography-electrospray-mass spectrometry

This paper describes a newly developed liquid chromatography–electrospray-mass spectrometry (LC–ES-MS) method for the quantitative determination of nine commonly used sulfonamides (sulfadiazine, sulfapyridine, sulfamerazine, sulfamethazine, sulfamonomethoxine, sulfisoxazole, sulfadimethoxine, sulfaquinoaline and sulfaphenazole) in meat. [M+H]⁺ and [M+Na]⁺ were the two major ions detected in positive ion mode. Selective ion monitoring was employed for quantitative determination. Satisfactory linearity, 0.1–10 μg ml⁻¹, of each compound was obtained. Blank meat samples were fortified at levels between 50 and 500 μg kg⁻¹. [Phenyl-¹³C6]sulfamethazine was used as internal standard. Sulfonamides were isolated from meat with a solvent extraction procedure and then determined by LC–ES-MS. The limits of detection were below 10 μg kg⁻¹. The application of this newly developed method was demonstrated by analyzing various beef, pork and chicken samples from local markets.     

PVC membrane based potentiometric sensors for uranium determination

Two novel uranyl PVC matrix membrane sensors responsive to uranyl ion are described. The first sensor incorporates tris(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate (TEHP) as both electroactive material and plasticizer and sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) as an ion discriminator. The sensor displays a rapid and linear response for UO₂²⁺ ions over the concentration range 1×10⁻¹–2×10⁻⁵ mol l⁻¹ UO₂²⁺ with a cationic slope of 25.0±0.2 mV decade⁻¹. The working pH range is 2.8–3.6 and the life span is 4 weeks. The second sensor contains O-(1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-1-pyridyl)-N,N,N′,N′-bis(tetra-methylene)uronium hexafluorophosphate (TPTU) as a sensing material, sodium tetraphenylborate as an ion discriminator and dioctyl phenylphosphonate (DOPP) as a plasticizer. Linear and stable response for 1×10⁻¹–5×10⁻⁵ mol l⁻¹ UO₂²⁺ with near-Nernstian slope of 27.5±0.2 mV decade⁻¹ are obtained. The working pH range is 2.5–3.5 and the life span of the sensor is 6 weeks. Interference from many inorganic cations is negligible for both sensors. However, interference caused by some ions (e.g. Th⁴⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺) is eliminated by a prior ion exchange or solvent extraction step. Direct potentiometric determination of as little as 5 μg ml⁻¹ uranium in aqueous solutions shows an average recovery of 97.2±1.3%. Application for the determination of uranium at levels of 0.01–1 wt.% in naturally occurring and certified ores gives results with good correlation with data obtained by X-ray fluorescence.     

Ion chromatography of organic-rich natural waters from peatlands II. Na, NH4, K, Mg and Ca

Organic rich natural waters from peat bogs in continental (Switzerland) and maritime (Shetland Islands, Scotland) environments were analysed for Na⁺, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ using ion chromatography. These cations were determined simultaneously in surface and pore water samples from the continental bogs using a 250-μl injection loop in an isocratic separation. Using this loop, detection limits of the order of 1 ng/g were achieved. An organics-removal cartridge (Dionex OnGuard P) was used to remove humic materials. Analyses of deionized water filtered through these cartridges showed acceptably low blank values (e.g., ca. 5 ng/g) and appeared to have no significant effect on the measured cation concentration. For the maritime bog waters, the low concentrations of NH₄⁺ (ca. 1 μg/g) compared with Na⁺ (ca. 100 μg/g) required improved peak separation. This was accomplished using a gradient separation beginning with 40 mM HCl—1 mM , -2,3-diaminopropionic acid monochloride (DAP) and switching to 40 mM HCl-12 mM DAP after 2 min. Using a 25 μl injection loop, Na⁺, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ were determined simultaneously in less than 25 min. In this instance, even with Na⁺/NH₄⁺ > 100, there was no interference from Na⁺ in the determination of NH₄⁺ (baseline separated).     

Analysis of acidic drugs in the effluents of sewage treatment plants using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Azaspiracid poisoning (AZP) is a new human toxic syndrome that is caused by the consumption of shellfish that have been feeding on harmful marine microalgae. A liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) method has been developed for the determination of the three most prevalent toxins, azaspiracid (AZA1), 8-methylazaspiracid (AZA2) and 22-demethylazaspiracid (AZA3) as well as the isomeric hydroxylated analogues, AZA4 and AZA5. Separation of five azaspiracids was achieved on a C₁₈ column (Luna-2, 150×2 mm, 5 μm) with isocratic elution using acetonitrile–water containing trifluoroacetic acid and ammonium acetate as eluent modifiers. Using an electrospray ionisation (ESI) source with an ion-trap mass spectrometer, the spectra showed the protonated molecules, [M+H]⁺, with most major product ions due to the sequential loss of two water molecules. A characteristic fragmentation pathway that was observed in each azaspiracid was due to the cleavage of the A-ring at C₉–C₁₀ for each toxin. It was possible to select unique ion combinations to distinguish between the isomeric azaspiracids, AZA4 and AZA5. Highly sensitive LC–MS³ analytical methods were compared and the detection limits were 5–40 pg on-column. Linear calibrations were obtained for AZA1 in shellfish in the range 0.05–1.00 μg/ml (r²=0.9974) and good reproducibility was observed with a relative standard deviation (%RSD) of 1.8 for 0.9 μg AZA1/ml (n=5). The %RSD values for the minor toxins, AZA4 and AZA5, using LC–MS³ (A-ring fragmentation) were 12.3 and 8.1 (0.02 μg/ml; n=7), respectively. The selectivity of toxin determination was enhanced using LC–MS–MS with high energy WideBand activation.     

Theoretical determination of the ionization potentials of the 1σ and 2σ electrons of CO(Σ)

Large-basis-set calculations of near Hartree-Fock accuracy were performed on CO⁺(1σ-hole ²Σ⁺) and CO⁺)2σ-hole, ²Σ⁺); correlation energies for these systems and for CO were calculated using an atoms-in-molecule approach, relativistic energies and vibrational structure corrections were also considered. The results are: IP(CO, 1σ) = 542.4 (542.57) eV, IP(CO,2σ) = 297.0 (296.24) cV, D_c(CO, ¹Σ⁺) = 10.8 (11.1) Ev, D₃(CO⁺, 1σ, ²Σ⁺) = 11.9 eV, D_e(CO⁺, 2σ, ²Σ⁺) = 9.1 eV, where IP and D_e stand respectively for ionization potential and dissociation energy, and where the numbers in parentheses refer to the most recent experimental values. The electron transfers resulting from the ionization of inner-shell electrons are discussed. Finally a quantitative correlation is developed correlating absolute chemical shifts to charge densities. Agreement between the calculated values and those derived from the correlation is quite satisfactory.     

α-氨基酸及其酯化物侧链对其β-环糊精复合物稳定常数的影响

为了探索α-氨基酸及其酯化物的侧链R基团对其与环糊精非共价复合物结合强度的影响, 将一定摩尔比的β-环糊精(β-CD)分别与L型正缬氨酸(n-Val)、 亮氨酸(Leu)、 苯丙氨酸(Phe)、 天冬氨酸(Asp)、 天冬氨酸-4-苄酯(Asp-4-benzyl ester)和天冬氨酸-4-叔丁酯(Asp-4-t-butyl ester)在室温下混合, 反应平衡后采用电喷雾电离质谱进行竞争反应检测, 并以改进的质谱滴定结合曲线拟合法计算结合常数. 结果表明, 它们均可形成摩尔比为1∶1的非共价复合物. 在2组竞争反应中, 复合物的结合强度顺序分别为[β-CD∶Asp-4-benzyl ester+H]⁺>[β-CD∶Asp-4-t-butyl ester+H]⁺>[β-CD∶Asp+H]⁺以及[β-CD∶Phe+H]⁺>[β-CD∶Leu+H]⁺>[β-CD∶n-Val+H]⁺. 质谱滴定曲线拟合法测得[β-CD∶n-Val+H]⁺, [β-CD∶Asp+H]⁺, [β-CD∶Asp-4-t-butyl ester+H]⁺, [β-CD∶Asp-4-benzyl ester+H]⁺, [β-CD∶Leu+H]⁺和[β-CD∶Phe+H]⁺的稳定常数(lgK_st)分别为1.81, 2.54, 3.14, 3.26, 3.36和3.67, 结合强度依次增强. 竞争反应的定性分析结果与质谱滴定定量法测得结合强度结果的趋势一致. 由于所选用的α-氨基酸及其酯化物客体的羧基端(—COOH)和氨基端(—NH₂)均相同, 且都为亲水基团, 仅有侧链R基团不同, 因此在溶液中客体分子受疏水驱动与β-CD主体靠近并结合时, 侧链R基团的疏水力和极性2个因素起重要作用. 由于客体分子体积小, 其碳端的羧基还可与β-CD大口或小口边缘的羟基形成氢键, 使复合物更加稳定.     

Effect of presence of 18-crown-6 on the response of 1-pyrrolidine dicarbodithioate-based lead selective electrode

The lipophilic ammonium salt of 1-pyrrolidine dicarbodithioic acid (PCDT)[I] was introduced as a selective ionophore for a sensitive Pb-ion selective electrode. Also, the effect of immobilization of 18-crown-6 (CW), into the above membrane, on the electrode performance was discussed. The slope of the PCDT-based [I] electrode was (26–30 mV decade⁻¹), while it was (29-30 mV decade⁻¹) for (PCDT+CW)-based [II] electrode according to the doping time. The linear concentration ranges were (1×10⁻⁶–1×10⁻¹ M) and (5×10⁻⁵–1×10⁻¹ M) for electrode types [I] and [II] after one-day doping. The working pH ranges were (5.0–10.0) and (7.0–10.0) for electrode types [I] and [II], respectively. Most of the common cations were tested for the evaluation of the electrode selectivity with correlation to the ionic radii of the tested cations. Among them only Na⁺, Ag⁺ and Fe³⁺ were the real interference. Application of using the electrode for the determination of lead in lubrication oil samples was performed with RSD (0.86–1.03%). The obtained results were compared to those of an atomic absorption spectrophotometric method.     

Determination of dioxopromethazine hydrochloride by capillary electrophoresis with electrochemiluminescence detection

The paper presents a rapid method for the determination of dioxopromethazine hydrochloride (DPZ), an antihistamine drug, by the capillary electrophoresis with electrochemiluminescene detection (CE–ECL) using tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)₃²⁺) reagent. This CE–ECL detection method has high sensitivity, good selectivity and reproducibility for DPZ analysis. Under the optimized conditions: separation capillary, 38 cm length (25 μm i.d.); sample injection, 10 s at 8 kV; separation voltage, 12.5 kV; running buffer, 20 mmol L⁻¹ sodium phosphate of pH 6.0; detection potential, 1.15 V; 50 mmol L⁻¹ of phosphate buffer (pH 7.14) containing 5 mmol L⁻¹ of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ in ECL detection cell, the detection limit of DPZ was 0.05 μmol L⁻¹ (S/N = 3). The linear range extended from 5 to 100 μmol L⁻¹. The linear curve obtained was Y = 181.62 + 9.28X with a correlation coefficient of 0.9970. The relative standard deviations of the ECL intensity and the migration time for six continuous injections of 5 μmol L⁻¹ DPZ were 3.7% and 0.92%, respectively. The CE–ECL method was applied to analyze DPZ in real samples including tablets, rat serum and human urine, and satisfactory results were obtained without interference from samples matrix. The CE–ECL technique was proved to be a potential method for the detection of DPZ in clinic analysis.     

一种香豆素类锌离子荧光探针的合成及性能

通过Pechmann法使间苯二酚和乙酰乙酸乙酯发生脱水缩合反应,合成了4-甲基-7-羟基香豆素,再与六次甲基四胺反应,生成7-羟基-4-甲基-8-甲酰基香豆素,最终与吲哚酰肼发生席夫碱反应合成一种香豆素类荧光探针L。通过核磁共振波谱仪(NMR)、质谱(MS)、傅里叶变换红外光谱仪(FTIR)、荧光发射光谱仪和紫外可见分光光度计等技术手段研究该探针L的结构及其荧光性能。结果表明,探针L与Zn~(2+)的配合比为1∶1,对Zn~(2+)的检测限达到3.6×10~(-8)mol/L,降低了对Zn~(2+)的检测浓度,同时探针L对锌离子具有高选择性,可应用于在生物体内Zn~(2+)的检测。     

二(2-乙基己基)二硫代次膦酸对硝酸溶液中Am3+和Eu3+的萃取

以正十二烷作稀释剂, 研究了二(2-乙基己基)二硫代次膦酸(D2EHDTPA)对HNO₃溶液中Am³⁺和Eu³⁺的萃取行为. 考察了酸度、 萃取剂及N{\mathrm{O}}_3^{-}浓度和皂化度对萃取的影响. 在考察的pH范围(2.5~4.5)内, D2EHDTPA萃取Am³⁺和Eu³⁺的分配比(D)随pH值增大而增加; pH=3.65时, 分离因子(SF_Am/Eu)值达到最大(4000). 随D2EHDTPA浓度的增加, D_Am和D_Eu值均增加. 斜率分析表明, D2EHDTPA萃取Am³⁺和Eu³⁺主要形成3:1和2:1型的萃合物. N{\mathrm{O}}_3^{-}未直接参与D2EHDTPA对Am³⁺和Eu³⁺的萃取反应. D2EHDTPA经NaOH皂化后, 萃取能力显著增强, SF_Am/Eu值提高到10⁴量级, 萃取容量约为理论值的60%. 此外, 使用高分辨质谱、 红外光谱和等温微量热滴定方法研究了D2EHDTPA与Eu³⁺的配位化学行为, 得到了金属离子与配体的组成比、 络合物稳定常数以及配位热力学参数ΔH, ΔS和ΔG值.     

Protonation of polyamines in NaCl aqueous solution and binding of Cl by polyammonium cations

Equilibrium constants relative to the binding of Cl⁻ by nine open chain polyammonium cations (di, tri and tetra) were determined by potentiometric measurements (H⁺-glass electrode), at T=25°C. To this end the protonation constants of these amines were measured in NaCl aqueous solutions, in the ionic strength range 0.1<I≤1 mol dm⁻³. The different amines (some of which are N-alkyl substituted) were chosen in order to consider several factors affecting the values of protonation constants, the chloride complex formation constants and the dependence on ionic strength of apparent protonation constants. As concerns these last two points, it was found that fully N-alkyl substituted amines behave in a very similar way, with respect to partially or non-substituted ones. Simple linear relationships are reported involving chloride formation constants, parameters for the dependence on ionic strength of protonation constants and charges in polyammonium cations. The complexes formed by two linear polyamines with NO₃⁻ have also been studied for comparison. Literature data are examined.     

Highly sensitive and selective optical chemosensor for determination of Cu2+ in aqueous solution

A highly selective and sensitive rhodamine-based colorimetric chemosensor (1) for quantification of divalent copper in aqueous solution has been investigated in this work. It was designed using salicylaldehyde hydrazone and rhodamine 6G as copper-chelating and signal-reporting groups, respectively. In environmentally friendly media (50% (v/v) water/ethanol and 10 mM NaAc–HAc neutral buffer (pH 7.0)), the sensor exhibited selective absorbance enhancement to Cu²⁺ over other metal ions at 529 nm, with a dynamic working range of 0.05–5.00 μM and a detection limit of 10 nM Cu²⁺, respectively. To achieve fluorometric determination of Cu²⁺, the Cu²⁺-induced absorbance enhancement of 1 was efficiently converted to fluorescence quenching by fluorescence inner filter effects using rhodamine B (RB) as a fluorophore. The selectivity and sensitivity of fluorescence analysis were similar to those of absorptiometric measurement. Both absorptiometric and fluorometric methods were successfully applied to the detection of Cu²⁺ in three water samples.