A post-column photochemical detector for use in the determination of trace metals with n-butyl-2-naphthylmethyldithiocarbamate by high-performance liquid chromatography

The determination of traces of metals by high-performance liquid chromatography of their n-butyl-2-naphthylmethyldithiocarbamate (BNMDTC) complexes on a nonpolar stationary phase, with a post-column photochemical detector is described. Metal complexes of this ligand are thermodynamically stable and kinetically inert towards dissociation. To provide low detection limits, a photochemical reactor was developed to generate a fluorescent product. A major product of the photolysis of BNMDTC complexes is identified as the highly fluorescent n-butyl-2-naphthyl-methylamine. Detection of metal ions as BNMDTC complexes at the 10^?8 M level is feasible. Iron, nickel, mercury and cobalt complexes are readily determined.