Development of an ICP-IDMS method for accurate routine analyses of toxic heavy metals in polyolefins and comparison with results by TI-IDMS

An inductively coupled plasma isotope dilution mass spectrometric (ICP-IDMS) method was developed as a suitable method - with respect to its sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and time-consumption - for the analysis of toxic heavy metal traces (Pb, Cd, Cr, and Hg) in polyolefins. Results for Pb, Cd, and Cr were compared with those obtained by thermal ionization isotope dilution mass spectrometry (TI-IDMS), which was used as a reference method. Because of its high first ionization potential and its high volatility mercury could not be determined by TI-IDMS. A multi-element spike solution, containing isotopically enriched 206Pb, 116Cd, 53Cr, and 201Hg, was used for the isotope dilution step. Decomposition of the polyolefin samples was carried out with concentrated HNO3 at temperatures of about 300 degrees C in a high pressure asher (HPA). This procedure decomposes polyolefins completely and allows isotopic equilibration between sample and spike isotopes. Detection limits of 16 ng/g, 5 ng/g, 164 ng/g, and 9 ng/g were obtained for Pb, Cd, Cr, and Hg by ICP-IDMS using only sample weights of 0.25 g. In different commercially available polyethylene samples heavy metal concentrations in the range of < 5 ng/g to 4 x 10(3) ng/g were analyzed. Both mass spectrometric methods were applied within the EU project "Polymeric Elemental Reference Material (PERM)" for the certification of two polyethylene reference materials. The ICP-IDMS results agreed very well with those of TI-IDMS which demonstrates the accuracy of the ICP-IDMS method also suitable for routine analyses.     

Contribution to the certification of B,Cd, Cu,Mg and Pb in a synthetic water sample,by use of isotope-dilution ICP-MS,for Comparison 12 of the International Measurement Evaluation Programme

The contribution of the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements to the certification of the B, Cd, Cu, Mg, and Pb content of a synthetic water sample used in Comparison 12 of the International Measurement Evaluation Programme (IMEP-12) is described. The aim of the IMEP programme is to demonstrate objectively the degree of equivalence and quality of chemical measurements of individual laboratories on the international scene by comparing them with reference ranges traceable to the SI (Système International d'Unités). IMEP is organized in support of European Union policies and helps to improve the traceability of values produced by field chemical measurement laboratories. The analytical procedure used to establish the reference values for the B, Cd, Cu, Mg, and Pb content of the IMEP-12 sample is based on inductively coupled plasma-isotope-dilution mass spectrometry (ICP-IDMS) applied as a primary method of measurement. The measurements performed for the IMEP-12 study are described in detail. Focus is on the element boron, which is particularly difficult to analyze by ICP-MS because of potential problems of low sensitivity, high mass discrimination, memory effects, and abundance sensitivity. For each of the certified amount contents presented here a total uncertainty budget was calculated using the method of propagation of uncertainties according to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and Eurachem guidelines. For all investigated elements with concentrations in the low micro g kg(-1) and mg kg(-1) range (corresponding to pmol kg(-1) to the high micro mol kg(-1) level), SI-traceable reference values with relative expanded uncertainties ( k=2) of less than 2 % were obtained.     

High resolution molecular spectroscopy with lasers

Summary Several sensitive detection techniques, such as excitation spectroscopy or resonant two-photon ionization spectroscopy are applied to laser spectroscopy with sub-Doppler resolution in collimated molecular beams. Due to internal cooling during the adiabatic expansion in supersonic beams rotational temperatures below 10 K can be reached which results in a drastic simplification of otherwise complex molecular spectra.Different schemes of optical-optical double resonance spectroscopy with two cw or pulsed narrow band lasers are discussed which allow the unambiguous assignment of perturbed molecular spectra. The techniques are illustrated by their application to NO₂, SO₂, Cs₂ and to the study of Rydberg states of Li₂.

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Laser-Molekularspektroskopie mit hoher Auflösung

Zusammenfassung Empfindliche Nachweismethoden der Laserspektroskopie, wie z. B. die Anregungsspektroskopie oder die resonante Zweiphotonen-Ionisation werden angewandt auf die Doppler-freie Untersuchung kleiner Moleküle, wie NO₂ und SO₂ in kollimierten Überschallstrahlen. Durch die drastische Abkühlung bei der adiabatischen Expansion können Rotationstemperaturen unter 10 K erreicht werden, was die Liniendichte in den Spektren stark reduziert und damit die Analyse der Spektren wesentlich vereinfacht.Verschiedene Techniken der optischen-optischen Doppelresonanz-Spektroskopie mit zwei kontinuierlichen oder gepulsten Lasern werden illustriert am Beispiel der Untersuchung von Rydberg-Zuständen von Li₂ und des langreichweitigen Potentials von Cs₂. Der Vorteil dieser Techniken für die Analyse komplexer Molekülspektren wird diskutiert.

     

Transit-time functions of a dynatron oscillator

Summary The transit-time functions of the dynode admittance are discussed for a new type of dynatron-oscillator, in which the primary electrons are directed obliquely towards the dynode.     

Stereoselective synthesis of P-chirogenic dibenzophosphole-boranes via aryne intermediates

A new aryne-mediated tandem cross-coupling/P-cyclization sequence starting from tertiary phosphine-boranes and 1,2-dibromobenzenes is reported. P-chirogenic dibenzophospholes become accessible in a regio-, chemo-, and diastereoselective way.