Quantitative Determination of Hyponitrite and Hyponitrate by Ion Chromatography

A simple, sensitive and reliable method for the rapid determination of hyponitrite and hyponitrate (Angeli’s salt) in alkaline media, is presented where both species are relatively stable. The method is based on the separation of the two anions by an anion exchange column and thereafter UV spectrophotometric detection at 248 nm. The calibration curves were linear over the concentration range of 0.4–100 mg L^?1, whereas the detection limit was found to be 50 μg L^?1 for hyponitrite and 100 μg L^?1 for hyponitrate. Under these conditions, the determination of nitrate and nitrite is also possible.