Determination of vanadium by atomic absorption spectrophotometry

Methods for the determination of vanadium, in the range 0.5–100 mg/l, by atomic absorption spectroscopy in an oxy-acetylene as well as in a nitrous oxideacetylene flame are presented. For use with oxy-acetylene flames, vanadium is extracted as vanadium cupferrate into a mixture of methyl isobutyl ketone and oleic acid (78:22, v/v) and the organic phase is aspirated to the flame. The sensitivity is 0.7 mg/l of vanadium in the organic phase. For nitrous oxide-acetylene flames, an aqueous solution of vanadium is aspirated directly. The sensitivity is further improved by the use of methyl isobutyl ketone, the addition of Al³⁺ and diethylene glycol diethyl ether. Many potential interferences were examined and methods to overcome those found are given.