Spectral interferences in the determination of traces of scandium, yttrium and rare earth elements in “pure” rare earth matrices by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry—II: Praseodymium and samarium

This paper is the second part of a series of papers dealing with mutual spectral interferences of rare earth elements (REEs) in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The present article covers: (a) the spectral data of praseodymium and samarium interferents for 200 pm wide windows centred (± 100 pm) about prominent lines of scandium, yttrium and REEs; (b) the data base of Q values for line interference (Q₁) and Q values for (wing) background interference (Q_w); and (c) the detection limits measured by using the “true detection limit” criterion as proposed by Boumans and vrakking [Spectrochim. Acta 42B, 819 (1987); 43B, 69 (1988)]. The lines with the lowest values of true detection limits for praseodymium and samarium matrices were chosen for analysis. This article is an electronic publication in Spectrochimica Acta Electronica (SAE), the electronic section of Spectrochimica Acta Part B (SAB). The hardcopy text is accompanied by a disk with data and text files. The data files comprise in particular the tabular material of this article in electronic form.     

Spectral interferences in the determination of traces of scandium, yttrium and rare earth elements in “pure” rare earth matrices by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Part IV. Lutetium and yttrium

This article is an electronic publication in Spectrochimica Acta Electronica (SAE), a section of Spectrochimica Acta Part B (SAB). The hardcopy text is accompanied by an electronic archive, stored on the SAE homepage at http://www.elsevier.nl/locate/sabe. The archive contains data files and text files. The present article is the fourth part of a series of papers discussing the spectral interferences of rare earth elements (REEs) in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The spectral interferences for 200-pm wide windows centred (±100 pm) around the prominent lines of the analytes, due to matrix lines and oxide radicals (LuO or YO) that emit band spectra depending on the excitation temperature (T_exc.) in ICP were investigated. The main result is that for T_exc.=7200 K, LuO and YO band components can be eliminated so that prominent analysis lines of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu and Sm were observed on a smooth background. T_exc..=7200 K was chosen as the optimal excitation temperature in the determination of traces of REEs in Lu₂O₃ and Y₂O₃, respectively. The quantification of the interferences in terms of Q-value was used in accordance with Boumans and Vrakking [Spectrochimica Acta Part B 42 (1987) 819; 43 (1188) 69]. The “best” analysis lines are free of line interferences and negligibly influenced by wing interferences and Lu₂O₃ and Y₂O₃ as matrices do not raise the real detection limits.     

Spectral interferences in the determination of traces of scandium, yttrium and rare earth elements in “pure” rare earth matrices by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry-I. Cerium, neodymium and lanthanum matrices

The present paper deals with spectral interferences from cerium, neodymium and lanthanum on prominent lines of scandium, yttrium and rare earth elements (REE). The “true detection limit” criterion was used for rational wavelength line selection as proposed by boumans and vrakking [Spectrochim. Acta 42B, 819 (1987); 43B, 69 (1988)]. Analysis lines selected for cerium and neodymium matrices suffered both wing and line interferences. In the case of a lanthanum matrix, it is possible to choose mostly analysis lines that are free of line interference and negligible wing interference. The high degree of spectral interferences with a cerium or neodymium matrix significantly worsens the true detection limits. This article is an electronic publication in Spearochimica Acta Electronica (SAE), the electronic section of Spectrochimica Acta Part B (SAB). The hardcopy text is accompanied by a disk with data and text files. The data files comprise in particular the tabular material of this article in electronic form.     

Coupled Hartree-Fock calculations of the electric dipole polarizability and first hyperpolarizability of some “inorganic benzenes”

Extended basis sets of gaussian functions were used to calculate near Hartree-Fock estimates of the electric dipole polarizabilities, , and first hyperpolarizabilities, β, of the “inorganic benzenes” B₃N₃H₆, B₃O₃H₃, B₃P₃H₃ and Al₃N₃H₆. Assuming that electron delocalization is responsible for the enhanced polarizabilities of aromatic systems, an aromaticity scale can be set up according to the trend of theoretical polarizabilities obtained in this work, i.e. (B₃O₃H₃) < (B₃N₃H₆ ) < (C₆H₆ ), which is consistent with previous calculations of the degree of delocalization in these compounds.     

High-resolution spectra of selected rare earth elements and spectral interferences studied by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES)

The rare earth elements (REEs) play very important roles in industrial manufacturing, technology development and biological processes. Due to their complex emission spectra, trace levels of REEs are difficult to analyze by conventional ICP-AES techniques. The present study investigates possible spectral interferences of matrices (rare earth oxides of Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm and Dy) on the analytical lines (± 0.1 nm) of a target REE. Detailed and well-resolved spectra for selected REEs are presented, and procedures used to rectify the problem of spectral interferences caused by REE matrices are discussed. A computer-assisted system (CAS) for spectral recognition has been developed and used to assist in the study of matrix interference. To determine directly trace rare earth elements in REE matrices without sample pre-separation, the application potential is demonstrated with a one meter sequential instrument retrofitted with a 3600 grooves/mm grating.     

Origin of additional satellites in electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of rare earth ion pairs

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectrum of pairs of two identical rare earth ions is considered in the case where the two ions feel slightly different crystal fields giving different g factors. When the differences Δg between the g factors give a Zeeman difference term ΔgβB₀ of the order of magnitude of the interaction between the two ions, the pair spectrum is composed of four lines instead of two: the usual doublet structure, and two additional satellites around the main central transitions. It is shown that for rare earth ions, the shape of the EPR pair spectrum is very sensitive to small g factor differences. This situation is illustrated by the case of neodymium pairs in the SrAl₁₂O₁₉ host.     

Effets des substituants sur la conformation du cycle γ-lactonique : I. Dérivés de la γ-butyrolactone

The structural study of some γ-butyrolactones substituted (i) in position 2 (position ): C₄H₄O₂Br₂ (II) and C₄H₅O₂R [R = Oφ (III); R = OCOφ (IV); R = OH (V); R = Br (VI); R = Cl (VII)] or (ii) in position 3 or 4 (β or β′): C₄H₅O₂Cl (VIII and IX) has been carried out by using different techniques of physical chemistry. Crystallographic data analysis demonstrates that in the solid state, 2,2-dibromo-γ-butyrolactone, unlike the 2,2-diphenyl-γ-butyrolactone, adopts an “envelope” structure which is comparable to those of compounds (III) and (IV). Spectroscopic data relative to the methylene bending mode δ(CH₂) are interpreted for the dissolved state in terms of rigid (III, IV, V, IX) or exchanging (VI, VII, VIII) “envelope” forms. For and β halogenated derivatives (VI, VII, VIII), quantitative analysis of infrared spectra shows a pseudo-axial predominance in apolar solvents, as found by application of the PCILO method. Interpretation of NMR spectra recorded at 250 MHz (III, IV, V, VI) confirms the data obtained by vibrational spectroscopy.     

Can triorganoboroxins exist in a “monomeric” R---B=O form? MNDO calculations and ebulliometric molecular weight determination

MNDO calculations were made for triethylboroxin (EtBO)₃ and triphenylboroxin (PhBO)₃ using both X-ray determined and optimized geometry of these molecules. The results were compared with hypothetical “monomeric” molecules R---B=O. Calculated energies of trimerization are about −200 kJ mol⁻¹ for both compounds and confirm the much higher stability of the “trimer”. Ebulliometric determination of molecular weight of triphenylboroxin in 2-pentanone confirms its trimeric character.     

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles in a biocompatible alginate matrix

An intensive multi-disciplinary research effort is underway at Wayne State University to synthesize and characterize magnetic nanoparticles in a biocompatible matrix for biomedical applications. The particular system being studied consists of 3–10 nm γ-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles in an alginate matrix, which is being studied for applications in targeted drug delivery, as a magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent, and for hyperthermic treatments of malignant tumors. In the present work we report on our efforts to determine if laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) can offer a more accurate and substantially faster determination of iron content in such nanoparticle-containing materials than competing technologies such as inductively-coupled plasma (ICP). Standardized samples of -Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles (5–25 nm diameter) and silver micropowder (2–3.5 μm diameter) were created with thirteen precisely known concentrations and pressed hydraulically to create solid “pellets” for LIBS analysis. The ratio of the intensity of an Fe(I) emission line at 371.994 nm to that of an Ag(I) line at 328.069 nm was used to create a calibration curve exhibiting an exponential dependence on Fe mass fraction. Using this curve, an “unknown” γ-Fe₂O₃/alginate/silver pellet was tested, leading to a measurement of the mass fraction of Fe in the nanoparticle/alginate matrix of 51 ± 3 wt.%, which is in very good agreement with expectations and previous determinations of its iron concentration.     

Stereoselective propene polymerization at a metallocene/alumoxane catalyst derived from the chirally-substituted “meso-like” (p-R,p-S)-bis[1-(neoisopinocamphyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl]-zirconium dichloride

Isopinocamphyl-tosylate (2) was treated with indenyllithium to yield 3-(neoisopinocamphyl)-indene (3). Treatment of 3 with methyllithium gave 1-(neoisopinocamphyl)indenyllithium (4) which was then treated with 0.5 molar equivalents of ZrCl₄(thf)₂ to give a 52:48 mixture of one of the “racemic-like” isomers of bis[1-(neoisopinocamphyl)indenyl]ZrCl₂ (5A) and its “meso-like” diastereomer 5C. Hydrogenation of the 5A/5C mixture (50 bar H₂, Pt) furnished a mixture of the corresponding tetrahydroindenylzirconium complexes 6A and 6C, from which the “meso-like” bis[1-(neoisopinocamphyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindenyl]zirconium dichloride diastereoisomer (6C) was isolated. Treatment of 6C with an excess of methylalumoxane in toluene/propene generated an active -olefin polymerization catalyst. At −30°C partly isotactic polypropylene ( _η = 39000) was obtained. The catalyst derived from the chirally-substituted “meso-like” metallocene complex 6C produced polypropylene predominantly under enantiomorphic site control.     

Crystal structure of Fe(η-C5H5BCMe3)2 a “problem structure”

The complex Fe(η⁶-C₅H₅CMe₃)₂ crystallizes in the centrosymmetric triclinic space group P (C_i¹; No. 2) with unit cell dimensions of a 8.770(1) Å, b 8.878(1) Å, c 11.991(1) Å, 107.56(1)°, β 90.85(1)°, γ 90.13(1)°, V 890.0(2) ų and Z = 2. A full sphere of data was collected on a four-circle diffractometer. The structure was solved and refined to R 7.93% for all 3155 independent reflections and R 4.98% for those 2002 data with | F₀ | > 6σ. | F₀ |. The molecules lie on crystallographic inversion centers at 0, 0, 0 and 1/2, 0, 1/2; the crystallographic asymmetric unit therefore consists of two independent half molecules. The molecule centered at 0, 0, 0 (molecule “A”) is ordered and well-defined; that centered on 1/2, 0, 1/2 (molecule “B”)is probably disordered, as indicated by larger “thermal parameters” and a greater range of apparent interatomic distances. Discussion em phasizes the geometry of molecule A, which has precise C_i symmetry with Fe(1A)-B(1A) 2.297(4) Å and Fe(1A)-C(ring) distances ranging from 2.057(6) Å to 2.138(4) Å.     

ICP emission spectrometric analysis of rare earth elements in permanent magnet alloys

An analytical method for the determination of rare earth elements (REE) in a NdFeB permanent magnet alloy by ICP emission spectrometry is described. Spectral interferences, arising from overlapping, as well as matrix effects have been studied. Considering spectral interferences, sensitivities of spectral lines, background intensities and the chemical composition of the sample investigated, optimum spectral lines for each REE have been selected. Because of an unfavourable concentration ratio in samples of a NdFeB permanent magnet alloy, a preliminary separation of matrix elements from rare earth elements by ion chromatography is necessary. Different modes of elution (isocratic and gradient) with -hydroxy-isobutyric acid and different columns (NUCLEOSIL, SULFOPROPYL SI-100, DIONEX HPIC-CS3) have been tested. Optimum separation conditions have been chosen for each element and the separation efficiency at equal or different concentrations of the selected elements have been established. Although the separation of REEs resulted in partly overlapping peaks, the ratio between analyte and interferent is improved and the spectral interferences are diminished. The results obtained are in good agreement with certified values.     

Formation of stabilized zirconia with rare earth fluorides

New reactions to prepare stabilized zirconia using rare earth fluorides as the solid electrolyte have been examined by means of X-ray diffraction, DTA and EPMA methods. The eleven rare earth fluorides of yttrium and samarium through lutetium reacted with ZrO₂ to form new types of stabilized zirconias (LnFSZ) consisting of the ternary system of ZrO₂-Ln₂O₃-LnF₃. (2x+3y)ZrO₂ + (4y+2z)LnF₃ = 2(ZrO₂)_x(Ln₂O₃)_z + 3yZrF₄) where x, y and z represent the stabilizing composition at which the homogeneous solid solution with the fluorite structure is formed, and x + y + z + = 1. This reactions begins to take place at about 600 C and is completed by firing at temperatures ranging from 1000 to 1300 °C for a few hours in an argon atmosphere.     

Spectroscopic properties of rare earth borohydrides: Er(BH4)3·3THF in pure and mixed crystals

The optical spectra of Er(BH₄)₃·3THF neat crystals and La, Gd, Y(BH₄)₃·3THF mixed crystals are reported and analyzed. Lanthanum borohydride is found to have a different room temperature crystal structure (triclinic) from Er, Gd, Y(BH₄)₃·3THF (Pbcn). At low temperature the Pbcn crystals undergo a phase transition to a structure with two crystallographically inequivalent sites in a unit cell. The optical spectra of Er(BH₄)₃·3THF in Er, Y, Gd(BH₄)₃·3THF crystals clearly evidence these two sites. Large vibronic intensity is observed at 1.6 K and 77 K and nine “molecular” vibrations are assigned. These modes are quite similar to those found for U(BH₄)₄. Er (BH₄)₃·3THF spectra are very different: no vibronic transitions are observed but many (often upwards of fifty for a given manifold) weak sharp “satellite” lines are found associated with pure electronic transitions. These data are discussed in terms of structural differences and comments on bonding and covalent character in lanthanide borohydrides are made.     

Simulation of atomic spectra—II. Mutual spectral interferences of rare earth elements in the inductively coupled plasma

This article is an electronic publication in Spectrochimica Acta Electronica (SAE), the electronic section of Spectrochimica Acta B (SAB). The hardcopy text, comprising the main article and an appendix, is accompanied by a diskette with a program, data files, and a manual. The text details the purpose of the work, with emphasis on the spectroscopic aspects, and the appendix provides the essential information for accessing the diskette and using program and data. Additional tutorial guidance is provided by the manual.

The program primarily concerns the simulation of the spectra of rare earth elements (REE) as interferents in 80-pm wide spectral windows centred about the wavelengths of 26 prominent lines of Ce, La, Nd, Pr, and Sm. The program essentially covers the model described in Spectrochim. Acta 43B, 1365 (1988) and the database is identical to the experimental database published in Spectrochim. Acta 44B, 31 (1989). Accordingly, the data are for an inductively coupled plasma (ICP). The program enables the user to simulate spectra with the spectral bandwidth as an optional variable. The user may then generate spectra of both single REEs, without or with analyte, and mixtures of REEs of any composition, also without or with analyte, whereby for spectra with analyte the display includes the blank spectrum. Displays are accompanied by legends providing a set of essential numerical data. In addition, particular program options allow the generation of numerical data only, one of them being the calculation of true detection limits. This option permits it to perform, within the limited scope of the database, line selection for complex REE samples in a rational way.

The program operates, in principle, with the default values of the ICP Doppler temperature (6800 K) and “average” ICP a-parameter of the Voigt profile (0.5), but these values may be optionally modified. Similarly, the user may add new data files to the base and thus also apply the program for other purposes and outside the REE environment, such as model studies in general, and for learning or teaching, as explained in the manual on the diskette. The tutorial part of this manual provides the user not only with elementary instructions for using the program as a practical tool, but also incorporates a variety of instructive examples, including a brief “course” on spectral line profiles and spectral interferences.     

Formation of a novel “bedspring”-like framework structure by a neodymium nitrate complex with N,N′-butylenebis(2-pyridone)

Reaction of N,N′-butylenebis(2-pyridone) (BBP) with hydrated M(NO₃)₃ salts (M = Y or a lanthanide ion) affords the complexes M₂(BBP)₃(NO₃)₆. Thorium(IV) nitrate and dioxouranium(VI) nitrate give Th₂(BBP)₃(NO₃)₈·0.5Me₂CO and UO₂(BBP)(NO₃)₂, respectively. X-ray diffraction studies on the Nd complex show it to contain arrays of contiguous 66-membered macrocyclic rings arranged so as to form as unusual “bedspring”-like network structure.     

Spectral study of the structure of compartmental complexes of europium and copper

Compartmental complexes [EuH₂(fsa)₂en]Cl·3H₂O and [CuH₂(fsa)₂en]·0.5H₂O have been synthesized and characterized. The compartmental ligand (H₄(fsa)₂en) is N,N′-bis(3-carboxysalicy- lidene)ethylenediamine. Spectral study indicates that Eu(III) and Cu(II) are coordinated by the ---O₂O₂ coordinating atoms (outside) and the ---N₂O₂ coordinating atoms (inside), respectively. Since there is a considerable difference in the ligand field strength between the “outside” and “inside” coordination spheres, their different fluorescence properties have been investigated by photoacoustic spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy.     

Decomposition of silane on solid P4O10

Silane undergoes thermal decomposition on the surface of “phosphorus pentoxide” ( P₄O₁₀) into its elements around 200–400°C. The hydrogen formed partially reduces the P₄O₁₀ forming lower oxides of phosphorus and water. Elemental silicon is precipitated as reddish-brown solid, which is separated by dissolving out the phosphorus oxides. Silica and disiloxane are not formed in the reaction.     

Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometric determination of rare earth elements in geological materials

Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) has been applied to the determination of the rare earth elements (REE) lanthanum to lutetium (except terbium) in a range of geological materials. Group separation of the REE is carried out by sintering the sample with sodium peroxide to remove the bulk of the matrix, followed by fluoride precipitation with an yttrium carrier. This minimizes spectral interferences and provides sensitivities that are adequate for concentration levels around crustal abundances. The precision (2σ) is 3–5% for most of the elements and about 10% for some of the less abundant elements with concentrations that approach the limit of determination. Comparison of results obtained on a range of reference samples with literature values demonstrates the suitability of the procedures to provide rare earth abundance data for geochemical investigations.     

Syntheses of heparin - like pentamers containing “opened” uronic acid moieties

The syntheses of four analogues of pentasaccharide Ia, which corresponds to the minimal AT III binding region of heparin, are presented and the biological activities of these analogues will be discussed. Three of these analogues (i.e. compounds II, III and IV) contain an R-glyceric acid oxymethylene residue (i.e. B in fig.3) instead of -L-iduronic acid and in the other analogue (i.e. compound V) the β-D-glucuronic acid unit has been replaced by an s-glyceric acid oxymethylene residue (i.e. A in fig3). The R and S-glyceric acid oxymethylene residues represent an “opened” iduronic acid unit and an “opened” glucuronic acid unit, respectively, containing the essential carboxylate function in the appropriate configuration. The crucial step in the syntheses of these “opened” uronic acid pentamer analogues, was the preparation of the required glyceric acid oxymethylene residues 8a, 8b and 8c.

Analogues II and III, containing an “opened” iduronic acid moiety, display a significant AT III mediated Xa activity. Compound III contains two extra sulphate groups at unit 2. Removal of the contributing O-sulphate groups at position 3 and 6 of unit 6 of compound II (i.e. compound IV) results in a seven-fold drop in Xa activity. Replacement of the β-D-glucuronic acid unit by an S-glyceric acid oxymethylene residue (i.e. compound V) leads to almost a complete loss of Xa activity, notwithstanding the fact that all the essential and contributing charged groups are present in the molecule.