Amperometric complex-formation titrations of traces of copper

Copper has been determined in the submicrogram range by means of a eomplexometric titration with triethylenetetramine (TRIEN), the end-point being detected by following the anodic wave of the chelating agent at a rotating mercury electrode. The influence of the presence of other metals has been investigated both from the theoretical and the experimental point of view. Because of its higher selectivity TRIEN is preferred to other reagents of the EDTA group. The results show that copper can be determined in the presence of large amounts of most other metals.