Determination of elemental sulfur in jet fuel by differential pulse polarography

A sensitive method based on differential pulse polarography is described for the determination of elemental sulfur in jet fuels. Its sensitivity makes it suitable for following small changes in the sulfur content of jet fuel during storage. The supporting electrolyte is 0.19 M ammonium acetate/0.088 M acetic acid in 1:1 toluene/methanol. In this medium, the peak potential is ?0.56 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Calibration is linear from 2 to 30 mg l^?1. The limit of detection is 0.1 mg l^?1. Accuracy is better than 5%. Interferences from oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, thiols, organic sulfides and disulfides, organic peroxides and fuel additives are shown to be of very minor significance.