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The coupling of highly efficient ion chromatography (IC) to multi-dimensional detectors such as a mass spectrometer (MS) or an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP/MS) significantly increases sensitivity while simultaneously reducing possible matrix interference to the absolute minimum. By means of IC/MS several oxyhalides such as bromate and perchlorate can be detected in the sub-ppb range. Additionally, organic acids can be precisely quantified through mass-based determination even in the presence of high salt matrices. By means of IC-ICP/MS different valence states of the potentially hazardous chromium, arsenic and selenium in the form of inorganic and organic species can be sensitively and unambiguously identified in one single run.

In this poster a convenient direct injection suppressed ion chromatographic method for determining chloride and sulfate in denatured ethanol samples according to ASTM D7319 is presented.

The simultaneous ion chromatographic determination of trace-levels of lanthanides (or lanthanoides) was achieved by using either direct non-suppressed conductivity detection or UV/VIS detection after post-column reaction (PCR) with arsenazo III at 655 nm. Conductivity detection under isocratic conditions resulted in an overall analysis time of approx. 70 minutes. In contrast, the determination of the lanthanides via gradient elution and subsequent spectrophotometric detection of the arsenazo III-lanthanide(III) complexes was performed within 22 minutes. Besides the outstanding analysis time, UV/VIS detection excelled by its enhanced selectivity and sensitivity and did not suffer from interferences by ubiquitous non-lanthanide impurities such as iron(III) or other transition metals. For both conductivity and spectrophotometric detection, the inclusion of sample preconcentration steps lowered the limit of detection (LOD) to the sub-ppb range.

By means of azide analysis in Irbesartan a simple, fast, precise and accurate ion chromatographic method for the determination of traces of inorganic contaminants in pharmaceuticals is described. Traces of toxic azides in pharmaceutical products can accurately be determined in the sub-ppb range after Metrohm Inline Matrix Elimination using isocratic ion chromatography (IC) with suppressed conductivity detection. While the azide anions are retained on the preconcentration column, the interfering pharmaceutical matrix is washed away by a transfer solution, ideally consisting of 70% methanol and 30% ultrapure water. The analytical setup provides a well-resolved azide peak and thus alleviates the common drawback of excipient interferences, especially from the nitrate anion. Calibration with azide standards is linear over the range of 5…80 ppb, providing a coefficient of determination of 0.9995. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) of azide in Irbesartan are 5 and 30 µg/L respectively; the relative standard deviations (RSD) for the peak area, peak height and retention time being smaller than 3.9%. Robustness testing involved variation of column oven temperature and composition of the transfer solution and, in terms of peak area, provided RSDs smaller than 2.8% and 3.1% respectively.

Quality and process control of biofuels require straightforward, fast and accurate analysis methods. Ion chromatography (IC) is at the leading edge of this effort. Traces of anions in a gasoline/ethanol blend can accurately be determined in the sub-ppb range after Metrohm Inline Matrix Elimination using anion chromatography with conductivity detection after sequential suppression. While the analyte anions are retained on the preconcentration column, the interfering organic gasoline/bioethanol matrix is washed away.Detrimental alkali metals and water-extractable alkaline earth metals in biodiesel are determined in the sub-ppm range using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection applying automated extraction with nitric acid and subsequent Metrohm Inline Dialysis. Unlike high-molecular substances, ions in the high-ionic strength matrix diffuse through a membrane into the low-ionic water acceptor solution. In biogas reactor samples, low-molecular-weight organic acids stem from the biodegradation of organic matter. Their profile allows important conclusions concerning conversion in the anaerobic digestion reaction. Volatile fatty acids and lactate can be accurately determined by using ion-exclusion chromatography with suppressed conductivity detection after inline dialysis or filtration.

The combination of 850 Professional IC, 858 Professional Sample Processor, Dosino and MagIC NetTM software offers a variety of sophisticated ion chromatographic sample preparation techniques. One of these is the automated inline dilution of samples.After the first sample injection, MagIC NetTM verifies if the area of the sample peak lies within the calibration range. If the measured peak area is outside these limits, the software calculates the appropriate dilution factor, dilutes and automatically re-injects the sample. For all investigated ions (Li+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, F-, Cl- , NO2-, Br-, NO3-, SO42- ), automated logical dilution yielded coefficients of determination (R2) better than 0.9999. Direct-injection recoveries for cations and anions were within 98.6…99.5% and 93.4…100.4% respectively. In contrast, after logical dilution, recoveries for cations and anions were within 100.1…102.9% and 98.2…102.6% respectively. The relative standard deviations for all determinations involving diluted sample solutions were smaller than 0.91%.

The analytical challenge treated by the present work consists in detecting sub-ppm quantities of bromide, sulfate, aliphatic monocarboxylic acids and several alkaline earth metals in the presence of very high concentrations of sodium and chloride. Bromide, sulfate, acetate and butyrate can be reliably determined by suppressed conductivity detection. Due to matrix effects, propionate can only be detected qualitatively. This drawback can be overcome by coupling the ion chromatograph (IC) to a mass spectrometric (MS) detector. This results in reduced matrix interferences and significantly enhanced sensitivities. The cations magnesium, barium and strontium are determined by non-suppressed conductivity detection.

The study of adverse effects of air pollution requires semi-continuous, rapid and accurate measurements of inorganic species in aerosols and their gas phase components in ambient air. The most promising instruments, often referred to as steam collecting devices, are the Particle-Into-Liquid-Sampler (PILS) coupled to wet-chemical analyzers such as a cation and/or anion chromatograph (IC) and the Monitoring instrument for AeRosols and GAses (MARGA) with two integrated ICs. Both instruments comprise gas denuders, a condensation particle growth sampler as well as pump and control devices. While PILS uses two consecutive fixed denuders and a downstream growth chamber, the MARGA system is composed of a Wet Rotating Denuder (WRD) and a Steam-Jet Aerosol Collector (SJAC). Although the aerosol samplers of PILS and MARGA use different assemblies, both apply the technique of growing aerosol particles into droplets in a supersaturated water vapor environment. Previously mixed with carrier water, the collected droplets are continuously fed into sample loops or preconcentration columns for on-line IC analysis. While PILS has been designed to sample aerosols only, MARGA additionally determines water-soluble gases. Compared to the classical denuders, which remove gases from the air sample upstream of the growth chamber, MARGA collects the gaseous species in a WRD for on-line analysis. In contrast to the gases, aerosols have low diffusion speeds and thus neither dissolve in the PILS denuders nor in the WRD. Proper selection of the ion chromatographic conditions of PILS-IC allows a precise determination, within 4 to 5 minutes, of seven major inorganic species (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, NO3- and SO4 2-) in fine aerosol particles. With longer analysis times (10-15 minutes) even airborne low-molecular-weight organic acids, such as acetate, formate and oxalate can be analyzed. MARGA additionally facilitates the simultaneous determination of HCl, HNO3, HNO2, SO2 and NH3.PILS and MARGA provide semi-continuous, long-term stand-alone measurements (1 week) and can measure particulate pollutants in the ng/m3 range.

This work was carried out with a Metrosep C 2 - 150 separation column, the following eluent parameters being investigated: nitric, tartaric, citric and oxalic acid concentration and concentration of the complexing anion of dipicolinic acid (DPA). The aim was to determine the effect of these parameters plus that of the column temperature on the retention times of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, ammonium and amines using ion exchange chromatography with non-suppressed conductivity detection. Due to similar affinities for the ion exchange column, transition metals are difficult to separate with the classical nitric, tartaric, citric and oxalic acid eluents. Partial complexation with the dipicolinate ligand significantly shortens the retention times and improves the separation efficiency. However, too strong complexation results in a rapid passage through the column and thus in a complete loss of separation. Apart from a change in the elution order of magnesium and calcium at high DPA concentrations, other non-amine cations are only slightly affected by the eluent composition. Irrespective of the tartaric acid and nitric acid concentration in the eluent, an increase in column temperature shortens the retention times and slightly improves the peak symmetries of organic amine cations, particularly in the case of the trimethylamine cation. In contrast, an increase in column temperature in the presence of DPA concentrations exceeding 0.02 mmol/L increases the retention time of the transition metals. Depending on the separation problem, variation of the pH value, the use of a complexing agent and/or an increase in column temperature are powerful tools for broadening the scope of cation chromatography.

The analytical challenge treated in the present work consists in detecting trace concentrations (ppb) of bromide in the presence of a strong chloride matrix. This problem was overcome by separating the bromide ions from the main fraction of the early eluting chloride matrix (several g/L) by applying two sequential chromatographic separations on the same column. After the first separation, the main fraction of the interfering chloride matrix is flushed to waste, while the later eluting anions are diverted to an anion-retaining preconcentration column. After elution in counter flow, the bromide ions are efficiently separated from the marginal chloride residues. The four-point calibration curves for bromide and sulfate are linear in the range of 10…100 µg/L and 200…800 µg/L and yield correlation coefficients of 0.99988 and 0.99953 respectively. For the method shown here, a second injection valve and a preconcentration column are the only additional devices needed to master this demanding separation problem.

Metal precipitation and cyanide recovery in the SART process (sulfidization, acidification, recycling, thickening) depend to a great extent on the sulfide concentration. Among the flow injection analysis methods coupled to wet-chemical analyzers, the combination of a gas diffusion cell with an ion chromatograph (IC) plus subsequent direct spectrophotometric detection has proven to be one of the most convenient methods of sulfide analysis.This paper deals with the determination of sulfide anions via the coupling of a gas diffusion cell to an IC with subsequent spectrophotometric detection.

Several testing methods such as the determination of the acid and the iodine numbers in biodiesel as well as the quantification of sulfate and chloride in bioethanol are described.

A complete tap water analysis includes the determination of the pH value, the alkalinity and the total water hardness. Both the pH measurement and the pH titration by means of a standard pH electrode suffer from several drawbacks. First, the response time of several minutes is too long and, above all, the stirring rate significantly influences the measured pH value. Unlike these standard pH electrodes, the Aquatrode Plus with its special glass membrane guarantees rapid, correct and very precise pH measurements and pH titrations in solutions that have a low ionic strength or are weakly buffered. Total water hardness is ideally determined by a calcium ion-selective electrode (Ca ISE). In a complexometric titration, calcium and magnesium can be simultaneously determined up to a calcium/magnesium ratio of 10:1. Detection limits for both ions are in the range of 0.01 mmol/L.

Commercially available fuels are complex mixtures of hundreds of different hydrocarbons. For the calibration of the test engines or advanced experimental and computational research they are modeled by means of multicomponent surrogate mixtures that adequately represent the desired physical and chemical characteristics. By definition, every octane and cetane number corresponds to a specific mixing ratio of primary reference fuels (PRFs). Based on this information, the tiamoTM controlled automatic dosing device prepares the surrogate mixtures. The setup drastically minimizes time-consuming and error-prone manual preparation steps and the contact with hazardous solvents. Additionally, precise and accurate results are displayed on customizable reports that fully comply with all current GLP and GMP requirements.

Compared to the classical Epton titration, potentiometrically indicated two-phase titrations using organic-solvent-resistant Surfactrodes can be easily automated and require no toxic and environmentally hazardous chloroform. Even challenging matrices such as fats and oils in bath oils and hair conditioners or strong oxidizing agents in washing powder and industrial cleaners do not interfere with the titration of the ionic surfactants. Results obtained show excellent agreement to those of the Epton titration. Irrespective of the matrix, relative standard deviations of threefold determinations are all below 2.1%. While the Surfactrode Resistant is mainly used for oil-containing formulations, the Surfactrode Refill is ideal for washing powders and soaps. Both electrodes excel by their ruggedness and allow the rapid and precise determination of anionic and cationic surfactants.

Benzbromaron is one of the main uricosuric drugs currently used. In addition to sophisticated and expensive LC-MS and GC-MS methods, benzbromaron can be effectively determined by titration with sodium hydroxide solution using a straightforward, fully automated sample preparation method. A high-frequency homogenizer comminutes one or three tablets within 90 or 120 s respectively. The overall analysis time is 8 minutes. Ten-fold determinations with one and three tablets resulted in a benzbromaron content of 99.2 and 98.7 mg per tablet respectively. Increasing the number of tablets from one to three lowers the RSD from 1.36 to 0.88%. These results show an excellent agreement with the benzbromaron content indicated by the manufacturer (approx. 100 mg/tablet).Besides the presented Titrando/homogenizer combination, the other two members of the 815 Robotic Soliprep Sample Processor family offer comprehensive sample preparation possibilities within the fields of IC, HPLC, ICP or voltammetry.

The water content of tablets determines the release of their active ingredients as well as their chemical, physical, microbial and shelf-life properties. Accordingly, the water content is of crucial importance and has to be accurately determined. This paper describes the straightforward determination of the water content using automated volumetric Karl Fischer titration (KFT). Tedious sample preparation steps are eliminated by using a high-frequency homogenizer that additionally serves as a stirrer. Prior to titration, the homogenizer comminutes the tablets directly in the KF solution. As the comminution process takes place directly in the hermetically sealed titration vessels, interference from atmospheric humidity does not occur. Even after 24 h in the vessels, the moisture content of four different tablet type samples was within 93…108% of the initially determined values. With a coefficient of determination of 0.99993 the KF method is highly linear for water amounts between 4 and 215 mg. For all investigated tablet types, KFT provides results that lie within the range expected by the manufacturer.

A convenient adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetric (AdCSV) method has been developed for trace determination of uranium(VI) in drinking water samples using chloranilic acid (CAA). The presence of various matrix components (KNO3, Cl-, Cu2+, organics) can impair the determination of the uranium-CAA complex. The interferences can be mitigated, however, by appropriate selection of the voltammetric parameters. While problematic water samples still allow uranium determination in the lower µg/L range, in slightly polluted tap water samples uranium can be determined down to the ng/L range, comparable to the determination by current ICP-MS methods.

The presence of copper in fuel ethanol blends has gained considerable attention, since Cu2+ catalyzes oxidative reactions in gasoline leading to a deterioration of olefins and the formation of gum. Anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV), one of the most sensitive and accurate techniques for trace-metal analysis, has been demonstrated for the determination of Cu(II) in ethanol/gasoline blends without any sample pretreatment. Copper ions are first electrodeposited onto the surface of a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) before the amalgamated copper is quantitatively stripped (anodically dissolved), a current-voltage curve being recorded.Experimental conditions such as deposition time and potential as well as the suitable electrolyte and reference electrode were determined in preliminary experiments. For synthetic samples spiked with Cu2+ (5…100 µg/L), recovery rates between 96 and 112% were obtained. The copper-spiked E85 sample provided a recovery of 100%. The relative standard deviations for Cu2+ concentrations of 5 µg/L and above were 8.0 and 5.5% respectively. Using a preconcentration time of 60 s at -0.7 V versus Ag/AgCl, a linear range of 0…500 µg/L with a detection limit of 2 µg/L was obtained.

For a variety of reasons, the water content of chocolate is of crucial importance and has to be accurately determined. This poster compares an automated version of the Karl Fischer titration (KFT) using the sequential addition of various solvents with the widespread manual titration at elevated temperatures using a chloroform/methanol mixture. The water contents determined by the two procedures show excellent agreement. However, manual titration requires laborintensive sample preparation, the side reactions are difficult to quantify and hazardous halogenated solvents have to be used. In contrast, automated KFT is straightforward, uses non-hazardous solvents, allows to quantify the side reactions and is easily applicable to water determinations in sugar- and fat-containing matrices.

In modern days, a new breed of energetic (explosive) materials is emerging. Traditional aromatic nitrates are still in use, but there is dire need of analytical techniques for energetic materials in the chemical class of peroxides, azo etc. This presentation will demonstrate the use of a modern HPLC system with traditional detector (DAD) and also coupled with mass spectrometry for the analysis of abovementioned various classes of energetic materials.

This poster presents a highly reproducible procedure for the determination of the sodium contribution of acid-extractable organic species in Bayer process liquor. The precision of the method is estimated to be 0.2% RSD.

Metrohm's iColumns are the first IC columns that are equipped with a data chip that stores freely definable data, fixed column data as well as data entered by the MagIC NetTM software. Any relevant information such as column type, standard parameters, maximum pressure, etc. can be called up at any time. Analysis data continuously entered by the MagIC NetTM software guarantees a complete column and GLP-compliant surveillance irrespective of the IC system in which the column is operated. The MagIC NetTM software surveys the critical column data and indicates any infringement of limits.

By using the 800 Dosino and the 849 Level Control as the only additional devices, Metrohm`s intelligent ion chromatography (IC) systems - the 850 Professional IC and the Compact IC family - can be easily extended to perform any unattended inline eluent preparation. Fully controlled by MagIC NetTM, the 849 Level Control monitors the eluent level while the Dosino performs all dosing and liquid handling tasks. Consecutive injections of a 250-µg/L standard over approximately 20 days revealed an excellent retention-time stability. After more than 800 consecutive injections, relative standard deviations for anions (F-, Cl-, NO2-, Br-, NO3-, PO43-, SO42-) and cations (Li+ , Na+, NH4+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+) were smaller than 0.55 and 0.41%, respectively. In the case of a 24-hour sequence, retention-time precision for anions and cations was better than 0.09 and 0.08%, respectively. The presented inline eluent preparation system increases the retention-time reproducibility and allows the determination of anions and cations over a one-month period without manual eluent preparation.

By means of IC-ICP/MS, different valence states of arsenic and mercury in the form of inorganic and organic species can be sensitively and unambiguously identified in one single run. Determination of common arsenic species in biological matrices is straightforward and can be performed down to the sub-ppb level.Species transformations of mercury that occur during several sample preparation techniques, however, require the use of specific isotope dilution mass spectrometry (SIDMS). This work illustrates the decisive advantage that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 6800 (SIDMS) offers for studying the transformations of mercury species during sample preparation of fish tissue samples. Because of the unique features and benefits of EPA Method 6800, it is expected that utilization of SIDMS will increase and that this valuable tool for optimizing and validating trace-metals-speciated sample preparation will gain much wider acceptance by analytical chemists.

Comparative measurements show that the new Metrosep C 4 cation column has even better separation characteristics than the previous Metrosep C 2 and Metrosep Cation 1-2 column types. The Metrosep C 4 column has a clearly improved peak shape which leads to a better separation of the individual peaks. Using Metrosep C 4 the number of theoretical plates per meter was noticeably higher than that obtained on the Metrosep C 2 or C 1-2 column. Additionally for standard cations transition metals and amines, the Metrosep C 4 column shows better results with respect to peak shape, peak height, resolution and asymmetry factor. The clearly improved resolution of the C 4 column with its narrow and high peaks achieves baseline separation for six standard and six transition metal cations. Analysis times and peak areas obtained with the C 4 column are in the same range as those obtained with its predecessors.As a result of the latest production methods and materials, the promising Metrosep C 4 column excels by an outstanding separation performance for complex mixtures comprising standard cations, transition metal cations and amines.

This poster presents a straightforward ion chromatographic determination of HF, HNO3, short-chain organic acids and H2SiF6 in etching bath samples. Standard ions such as fluoride, nitrate, acetate and sulfate are determined via suppressed conductivity detection while dissolved silicate is spectrophotometrically detected in the same run after downstream post-column reaction (PCR) as molybdosilicic acid. Analytical results of several commercial HF-HNO3-H2SiF6 mixtures obtained by ion chromatography (IC) and titration showed good agreement, which confirms the applicability of the presented «dual» detection IC method for controlling the composition of acidic texturing baths.

The combination of 850 Professional IC, 858 Professional Sample Processor, Dosino and MagIC NetTM software offers a variety of automated ion chromatographic sample preparation and calibration techniques available as an anion, cation or dual channel system. Calibration is straightforward and requires only one multi-ion standard.Inline calibration allows the calibration of any standard concentration in the ppt range by using one single stable standard solution at the ppb level. By using a preconcentration column and switching the valves one, two or more times different calibration concentrations at the ultra-trace level can be created with unprecedented reproducibility. The inline preconcentration technique uses a pre-concentration column and is ideally suited for trace analysis in complex matrices, especially when combined with matrix elimination. Besides facilitating the preparation of g/L to ng/L calibration graphs Metrohm`s intelligent techniques are capable of logical decision making. While Metrohm`s intelligent Partial Loop technique (MiPT) allows samples with a wide concentration range to be injected without previous manual dilution, the intelligent inline dilution technique, after the first sample injection, compares peak areas, calculates, if necessary, the dilution factor, dilutes and automatically re-injects the sample. The presented inline techniques allow the rationalization of the time-consuming, error-prone and cost-intensive manual preparation of standard solutions. They guarantee that the determined sample concentrations always lie within the calibration range. Higher sample throughputs as well as lower analysis costs and improved data reliability are achieved.

The analytical challenge treated in the present work consists in the determination of chloride, phosphate and sulfate in the presence of difficult sample matrices that interact with the stationary column phase or even render it unusable. Metrohm`s patented stopped-flow dialysis coupled to the new 881 Compact IC pro ion chromatograph overcomes these drawbacks. Two standard solutions covering the concentration ranges 1.0…3.6 mg/L and 10…36 mg/L as well as two samples, an ultra-high temperature (UHT) processed milk and a baby milk powder, were characterized in terms of analyte concentration, relative standard deviation, calibration quality, carryover and recovery rates. While the five-point calibration curves yielded correlation coefficients (R) better than 0.9999, carryover (between two subsequent injections of a concentrated sample and a blank) was less than 0.49%. Recoveries for the low (10…36 mg/L) and high standard concentrations (1.0…3.6 mg/L) were within 91…99% and 94…100%, respectively. Automated compact stopped-flow dialysis is a leading-edge sample preparation technique that ensures optimum separation performance by effectively protecting the column from detrimental matrix compounds.

Inline coupling of the 815 Robotic Soliprep with an ion chromatograph (IC) allows the straightforward determination of anions and cations in tablets. After automatic solvent addition and subsequent comminution, the homogenized tablet samples (Singulair and Bezafibrat) are filtered and subsequently transferred to the injector. The completely automated sample preparation saves both time and money, guarantees traceability of each sample preparation step and yields correct and precise results. In the range of 0.2…50 mg/L, six-point calibration curves for anions and cations yield correlation coefficients better than 0.99990 and 0.99991, respectively. While relative standard deviations (RSDs) for sub-ppm levels of nitrate, sulfate, calcium and magnesium in Singulair and Bezafibrat are smaller than 3.64%, RSD of ppm levels of chloride is better than 0.83%. The application of further inline sample preparation steps such as pulverizing, extracting, filtering or diluting facilitates numerous custom-tailored setups for ion determinations in exacting matrices such as animal feed, sediments or food.

The analytical challenge treated by the present work consists in detecting sub-ppb concentrations of low-molecular-weight amines in the presence of strongly retained cationic drugs by using ion chromatography (IC) with upstream inline coupled-column matrix elimination (CCME). In contrast to direct-injection IC, where the late elution of strongly retained drugs requires eluents with added acetonitrile, the CCME technique uses two preconcentration columns in series. In an «inverse matrix elimination step, cationic drug and target amines are trapped on a high-capacity and a very-high-capacity preconcentration column, respectively. During amine determination, a rinsing solution flushes the drug to waste. This significantly shortens the analysis time and improves sensitivity as well as selectivity. Besides the determination of monomethylamine in Nebivolol hydrochloride discussed here, the CCME technique is a promising tool for detecting further low-molecular-weight amines in a wide range of drugs.

Hydroxyl is an important functional group and knowledge of its content is required in many intermediate and end-use products such as polyols, resins, lacquer raw materials and fats (petroleum industry). The test method to be described determines primary and secondary hydroxyl groups. The hydroxyl number is defined as the mg of KOH equivalent to the hydroxyl content of 1 g of sample.The most frequently described method for determining the hydroxyl number is the conversion with acetic anhydride in pyridine with subsequent titration of the acetic acid released: H3C-CO-O-CO-CH3 + R-OH -> R-O-CO-CH3 + CH3COOH. However, this method suffers from the following drawbacks: - The sample must be boiled under reflux for 1 h (long reaction time and laborious, expensive sample handling) - The method cannot be automated - Small hydroxyl numbers cannot be determined exactly - Pyridine has to be used, which is both toxic and foul-smellingBoth standards, ASTM E1899-08 and DIN 53240-2, offer alternative methods that do not require manual sample preparation and therefore can be fully automated: The method suggested in ASTM E1899-08 is based on the reaction of the hydroxyl groups attached to primary and secondary carbon atoms with excess toluene-4-sulfonyl-isocyanate (TSI) to form an acidic carbamate. The latter can then be titrated in a non-aqueous medium with the strong base tetrabutyl- ammonium hydroxide (TBAOH). The method suggested in DIN 53240-2 is based on the catalyzed acetylation of the hydroxyl group. After hydrolysis of the intermediate, the remaining acetic acid is titrated in a non-aqueous medium with alcoholic KOH solution. The present work demonstrates and discusses an easy way to determine the hydroxyl number according to ASTM E1899-08 or DIN 53240-2 with a fully automated titrimetric system for a great variety of industrial oil samples.

Sodium fluoride is used as a preservative in biological samples for alcohol analysis. All submitted blood samples, including those taken from vehicle drivers suspected of driving under the influence of liquor, have to be tested for adequate preservation prior to alcohol determination by gas chromatography. This is critical to ensure adequate sample preservation. Inadequate sample preservation may allow glycolysis and/or microorganism growth to produce ethanol.In the past this has been done by direct potentiometric measurement using a fluoride-selective electrode (F ISE), an ion meter and certified NaF standards. The sodium fluoride level was determined manually by dipping the electrode directly into the blood sample. Results were recorded manually. This poster describes two independent automated methods of analysis that allow the minimization of this tedious and time-consuming procedure.In the first one, the fluoride content in a blood aliquot is measured by direct potentiometric measurement after the addition of TISAB and deionized water. The second method employs the titration of the sample aliquot with La(NO3)3 after adding a buffer solution.

The 800 Dosino controlled by tiamo™ or Touch Control can be used universally for dosing and liquid handling tasks in both the analytical laboratory or directly in the synthesis laboratory. This poster looks at three typical liquid handling applications, the synthesis of metal-organic compounds, the preparation of standards, and the determination of pharmaceutical ingredients.

This poster provides an overview of ion chromatographic methods combined with inline sample preparation for the determination of anions and water-extractable cations in biofuels. In addition, the determination of the oxidation stability is described.

This poster describes a simple and sensitive method for the determination of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in water samples by suppressed conductivity detection. Separation was achieved by isocratic elution on a reversed-phase column thermostated at 35 °C using an aqueous mobile phase containing boric acid and acetonitrile. The PFOA and PFOS content in the water matrix was quantified by direct injection applying a 1000 μL loop. For the concentration range of 2 to 50 μg/mL and 10 to 250 μg/mL, the linear calibration curve for PFOA and PFOS yielded correlation coefficients (R) of 0.99990 and 0.9991, respectively. The relative standard deviations were smaller than 5.8%.The presence of high concentrations of mono and divalent anions such as chloride and sulfate has no significant influence on the determination of the perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). In contrast, the presence of divalent cations, such as calcium and magnesium, which are normally present in water matrices, impairs PFOS recovery. This drawback was overcome by applying Metrohm`s Inline Cation Removal. While the interfering divalent cations are exchanged for non-interfering sodium cations, PFOA and PFOS are directly transferred to the sample loop. After inline cation removal, PFAS recovery in water samples containing 350 mg/mL of Ca2+ and Mg2+ improved from 90…115% to 93…107%.While PFAS determination of low salt-containing water samples is best performed by straightforward direct-injection IC, water rich in alkaline-earth metals are best analyzed using Metrohm`s Inline Cation Removal.

In routine chemical analysis, the predominant challenge involves a higher sample throughput, improved reproducibility, liquid handling flexibility and reduced personnel costs. In response to these requirements, the 872 Extension Module Liquid Handling in combination with the MagIC NetTM software and the well-proven Dosino technology expands the possibilities of inline sample preparation and opens up new fields of application. Among others, the module can be used, together with an optional mixing vessel, for pH adjustments, pre-column derivatizations, or the mixing of solutions.As a representative of an inline sample preparation technique, this poster describes the performance of precise dilutions. By using only one single stable standard solution, multi-point calibration curves can be automatically recorded by diluting a concentrated standard in an external vessel.

Psychoactive gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its prodrug gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) are substances that are increasingly abused as date-rape and recreational (party) drugs. Since the non-controlled GBL converts into the illicit GHB both in-vivo and in-vitro, their legal distinction is of crucial importance.For the forensic determination of illegally added GHB and GBL in commonly consumed beverages, this work presents a simple and sensitive method that employs direct-injection ion chromatography combined with spectrophotometric detection. The method allows to trace GHB-GLB interconversion, whether in vivo or in vitro lactone cleavage or intramolecular GHB esterification, and thus complies with pertinent requirements of law enforcement agencies.

This study compares air sampling data obtained by a filter-based method including off-line manual filter extraction followed by ion chromatographic analysis with those gained by an automated Particle-Into-Liquid-Sampler coupled to an ion chromatograph (PILS-IC).PILS-IC is a straightforward instrument for aerosol sampling that provides near real-time measurements for long-term unattended operation and is thus an indispensable tool to monitor rapid changes in aerosol particle ionic composition.

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive 2002/95/EC stipulates maximum limits for the hazardous metals cadmium, lead and mercury as well as the hexavalent chromium and the brominated flame retardants in electrical and electronic products. To ensure compliance, reliable analysis methods are required.This poster deals with the wet-chemical determination of trace concentrations of the six RoHS-restricted substances in a wide variety of materials including metals, electrotechnical components, plastics and wires. After sample preparation according to IEC 62321, the metals lead, cadmium and mercury are best determined by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) and the flame retardants PBB and PBDE are quantified by direct-injection ion chromatography (IC) using spectrophotometric detection. Chromium(VI) can be determined either by adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdSV) or IC. Both methods are very sensitive and meet prescribed RoHS limits.

The presence of excessive water in plastics adversely affects the performance of polymeric goods which is why water determination is of crucial importance. This article describes the accurate and straightforward determination of the water content using the Karl Fischer Oven Method in ten different plastic types that are not amenable to direct Karl Fischer titration. The experiments revealed that besides the determination of the oven temperature, sample preparation is one of the most important steps of the analysis, especially in case of hygroscopic plastic samples.

UV/VIS detection is one of the most sensitive detection techniques in trace-level chromatography. Sometimes, however, spectrophotometric detection lacks sensitivity, selectivity or reproducibility and chemical derivatizations are required. By using Metrohm`s rugged and versatile flow-through reactor, single- or multi-step derivatizations can be done fully automatically, in either pre- or post-column mode at any temperature between 25…120 °C. The variable reactor geometry allows to adjust the reactor residence time of the reactants according to derivatization kinetics. The flexibility of the reactor is demonstrated by optimizing four widespread post-column techniques: the relatively slow ninhydrin reaction with amino acids and the fast derivatizations of silicate, bromate and chromate(VI).

Available sample size, mass sensitivity, efficiency and the detector type are important criteria in the selection of separation column dimensions. Compared to conventional 4 mm i.d. columns, microbore columns excel, above all, by their low eluent consumption. Once an eluent is prepared, it can be used for a long time. Additionally, the lower flow rates of microbore columns facilitate the hyphenation to mass spectrometers due to the improved ionization efficiency in the ion source.With the same injected sample amount, a halved column diameter involves a lower eluent flow and results in an approximate four-fold sensitivity increase. In a converse conclusion, this means that with less sample amount, microbore columns achieve the same chromatographic sensitivity and resolution than normal bore columns. This makes them ideally suited for samples of limited availability.

Metrohm`s intelligent Preconcentration Technique with Matrix Elimination (MiPCT-ME) excels in its capacity to perform automatic ion chromatographic determinations over 6 orders of magnitude. Crucial requirements for this are the system`s intelligence and the exact measurement of the sample volume. While the intelligence allows to compare results and take decisions, the dosing device takes over the high-precision liquid handling of even single-digit microliter volumes to the preconcentration column. By using only one analytical setup and without additional rinsing, samples containing both ultratraces and high concentrations can be analyzed.As the other Metrohm Inline Techniques, the MiPCT-ME technique presented reduces the workload, ensures complete traceability, is free of carryover effects and significantly improves accuracy and reproducibility of the results.

The thermometric titration method presented here permits a simple and direct determination of the total acid number (TAN) in petroleum products. It is an invaluable alternative to current manual and potentiometric methods. Thermometric titration uses a maintenance-free temperature sensor that does not require rehydration and is free of fouling and matrix effects. The procedure requires minimal sample preparation. Results agree closely with those from the potentiometric titrimetric procedure according to ASTM D664, but the thermometric titration method is far superior in terms of reproducibility and speed of analysis, with determinations being complete in approximately one minute.

The analysis described in this poster dicusses thermometric titration as a promising method for the straightforward sodium determination in foodstuffs. Thermometric sodium titration was tested for its applicability to various food matrices such as soups, gravy and several salty snacks. Enthalpy change can be monitored as a change in temperature of the solution using a sensitive digital thermometer. The sodium determination described here relies on the exothermic precipitation of elpasolite (NaK2AlF6). The titrant is a standard aluminum solution which contains an excess of potassium ions. The titration is performed directly on a suspension of the food sample and is completed in under two minutes. The method is robust, can be fully automated and due to the highly reproducible high-frequency homogenization, copes with a variety of challenging food matrices (ketchup, instant soups, pretzels, etc.). In addition to this application note, you can find more information on thermometric sodium determination in foods in our application video available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lnCp9jBxoEs

The Rancimat method is a widely accepted method for the determination of the oxidation stability of natural fats and oils. Its main application is quality control in oil mills and the oil processing industry. At elevated temperatures and under the exposure of air, fatty acids are oxidized. The reaction products are absorbed in ultrapure water that is continually monitored for conductivity. After an induction period with slow reaction, the formation of volatile carboxylic acids is accelerated. At that time the conductivity begins to increase rapidly. Instead of investing weeks or months, the sample can be oxidized within a few hours.The method can also be used to determine the oxidation stability of solid foodstuffs that contain natural fats or oils. Frequently, a direct determination without extraction of the fat is possible, if the fat content exceeds a minimum level. In these cases, a simple and reliable assessment of the quality of the produced foodstuff is possible.A number of fat-containing solid foodstuffs such as almonds, peanuts, peanut-flavored puffs, potato chips, muffins, butter cookies, French fries, and instant noodles were successfully tested with the Rancimat method. The experiments revealed that the comminution of the sample is one of the most important steps. The grinding procedure of the tested samples was kept as simple as possible to avoid the use of expensive milling instrumentation.

The poster presents the ion chromatographic determination of organic degradation products such as glycolate, formate and acetate besides the standard anions fluoride, chloride, nitrate and sulfate.

The presented IC system with inline sample preparation allows the determination of traces of lithium and sodium (ppt) in the presence of ppm quantities of ammonium and ethanolamine.

Determination of chloride and sulfate in the presence of high nitrate concentrations. Optimization of the chromatographic separation by variation of the temperature and eluent composition.