Voltammetric determination of iron(II) and iron(III) in standard rocks and other materials

Voltammetry at a rotating platinum electrode in concentrated electrolyte solutions containing HCl and LiCl is described for simultaneous determinations of iron(II) and iron(III) in a variety of materials. Applications of the method to some U.S. Geological Survey standard rocks, a Georgian clay, and an iron-containing multiple vitamin tablet are described. For materials which can be dissolved without altering the original iron(II)/ iron(III) ratio, this method enables the two valence states to be determined rapidly and simultaneously. The technique is precise (r.s.d. ≈ 2%) and relatively free from interference, and requires only a recording d.c. polarograph.