Determination of gold in germanium by neutron-activation analysis

Gold was determined in gold-doped germanium by neutron-activation analysis. The irradiated samples were dissolved in aqua regia, in the presence of gold carrier. The matrix activity was eliminated by distillation, and gold precipitated in the residue with hydroquinone. The gold fraction was essentially radiochemically pure. For a neutron dose of 5 x 10(15)n/ cm(2), a sensitivity of 1 ppM Au can be obtained, with a 2.4-g sample. The samples investigated contained from 24 to 36 ppM Au.