Fluorimetric determination of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione with isoniazide and a zirconium salt

Diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione react with isoniazide in acidified solutions to give the corresponding hydrazones which, by reacting with a zirconium (IV) salt, form fluorescent complexes. Both reactions have been studied separately. Variables such as pH, heating time, and excess of reactives are discussed. The method may be used for the determination of these compounds in foods.     

Potassium analysis by beta counting using a Geiger-Müller system

A technique for quantitative analysis of different soils, ceramics, feldspars and natural halide samples is presented, based on the measurement of -activities using a Geiger-Müller system. The system was calibrated with KCl, KC₈H₅O₄, KNO₃ and K₂SO₄ standards and a potassium content of 1% yields a net -count rate (background subtracted) of about 55 cph. Precision values of less than ±0.4% K can be achieved in counting times of about 4 hours. The results agree with those obtained by means of other more common analytical methods such as flame photometry, atomic absorption and -spectrometry. In comparison with these methods, this approach is direct, precise and non-destructive, because the samples do not require prior treatment.