Determination of phosphorous in organic compounds and metal complexes by inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Phosphorus is determined by inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry at 213.618 nm. Different types of organic and inorganic phosphorus compounds and metal complexes were examined after direct dissolution in water, aqueous ethanol or acid, or after decomposition by oxygen flask combustion or Kjeldahl digestion; results were within the usual limit of precision and accuracy for such determinations. The effect of small (<20%) ethanol concentrations in the aqueous solution on the signals obtained from a low-power (1200 W) argon plasma is examined and discussed.