The use of tiron in the microchemical analysis of minerals

Abstract

The complexes formed by tiron with aluminium, iron and titanium can be used to determine these elements colorimetrically on a single aliquot of the solution of a mineral. The tiron also renders these solutions very suitable for analysis in a flame, the sodium from the tiron acting as a flame buffer and the complexing properties inhibiting chemical interferences. A single aliquot of solution can therefore be used to determine several elements and the procedure can form the basis of a scheme for the microchemical analysis of minerals. Little is known of the use of tiron for the determination of aluminium and this paper describes tests made on the usefulness of this method.