Trace analytical performance, epistemology and engineering creativity

Analytics is a professional and systematic compilation of instances for the inference of problem solving truths. Relevant analytical results are the starting point of inductive learning in engineering. In the semiconductor industry, diagnostic investigations must be based on both process and product monitoring using trace-analytical methods. The analyst’s strive for detection power and an increasing number of analytes are the key and flywheel of engineering knowledge. Received: 9 October 1995 / Accepted: 14 May 1996     

Kurnakov and analytical chemistry

The paper appreciates the role of Academician N.S. Kurnakov in holding the All-Union Conference on Analytical Chemistry (1939) and creating the Commission on Analytical Chemistry at the Academy of Sciences of the USSR. The scientific works of Kurnakov relating to chemical analysis are indicated; brief review is given to studies on analytical chemistry that were carried out in the collectives headed by Kurnakov are.     

Traceability and analytical chemistry

 The basic concepts of traceability as they are defined by the Comité Consultatif pour la Cluantité de Matière are contrasted with the practical exploitation in chemical analysis. The applicability of traceability concepts are tested for their practical applicability on four different analytical methodologies, neutron activation analysis, plasma mass spectrometry, beam microscopical analysis and speciation analysis of organometallic compounds. Received: 31 March 1998 · Accepted: 6 June 1998     

Supramolecular analytical chemistry

A large fraction of the field of supramolecular chemistry has focused in previous decades upon the study and use of synthetic receptors as a means of mimicking natural receptors. Recently, the demand for synthetic receptors is rapidly increasing within the analytical sciences. These classes of receptors are finding uses in simple indicator chemistry, cellular imaging, and enantiomeric excess analysis, while also being involved in various truly practical assays of bodily fluids. Moreover, one of the most promising areas for the use of synthetic receptors is in the arena of differential sensing. Although many synthetic receptors have been shown to yield exquisite selectivities, in general, this class of receptor suffers from cross-reactivities. Yet, cross-reactivity is an attribute that is crucial to the success of differential sensing schemes. Therefore, both selective and nonselective synthetic receptors are finding uses in analytical applications. Hence, a field of chemistry that herein is entitled "Supramolecular Analytical Chemistry" is emerging, and is predicted to undergo increasingly rapid growth in the near future.     

Walter Nernst and analytical chemistry

The history of the introduction of the notion of the solubility product of slightly soluble electrolytes and the elaboration of the theory of the electromotive forces that describes equilibrium electric potentials of metal ion electrodes, redox reactions, and Donnan membrane potentials is presented. The contribution of W. Nernst to the formation of these notions is considered.     

Standardization, quality control and education in analytical chemistry

Quality matters have always been an intrinsic component of any curriculum in analytical chemistry. The realizations in the past have shown a wide variability in different countries. With the on-going internationalization of trade this is not a satisfactory situation as the goal of a measurement science supporting this globalization must encompass compatible measurement systems. In order to meet these requirements as soon as possible, and not just with future generations of yet-to-be-trained college graduates, a vigorous program of postgraduate education in analytical quality assurance is necessary in all countries, many of which have already recognized this need and introduced special courses dealing with these topics.This contribution presents a compilation of the most important current developments in analytical quality assurance as these also define the most urgent needs to reshape the educational process for graduates and post-graduates alike. Quantitative concepts are emphasized and the correlations between them are highlighted. Suggestions for topics to be covered in a 4-day post-graduate course on analytical quality assurance are given, based on more than five years of experience.Dedicated to my mother, Dr. med. univ. Gerda Wegscheider, on the occasion of her 70th birthday     

Putting the chemistry back into analytical chemistry

Aspects of the current status of and research in analytical chemistry are briefly discussed and the need for cost effective analytical procedures is emphasized. The present and future of a number of aspects of flow-injection analysis are considered. These include the basic theory, the kinetic features, the control features, time-based methodology, and the coupling of sample pretreatment with instrumentation. Several aspects of this latter topic are considered with particular reference to the flow-injection atomic spectrometry combination. Problems of kinetic mismatch between chemistry, manifold residence, and instrument operation are discussed and some possible solutions proposed including the use of closed loop manifolds.     

Chromatography beyond analytical chemistry

Although chromatography is one of the most important branches of analytical chemistry, it also serves purposes that cannot strictly be considered as part of analytical chemistry: it may be a model of natural processes, a method for the study of surface properties of molecules, for the collection of data in quantitative structure-activity relationship studies and for preparative separations, a teaching aid and sometimes even a kind of visual art. Some speculations and proposals are summarized.     

Nucleation in analytical chemistry

Precipitation involves two processes, nucleation and subsequent crystal growth. The nucleation process is of extreme importance in determining the number and size of the final crystalline particles. The significance of experimental studies of nucleation is discussed and the need for further research indicated.