Elimination of the interfering effect of transition metals in the determination of tin by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract

The determination of tin in the presence of a variety of metal ions has been studied by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. The results show serious depressing interference from transition metals. Such interference can be completely eliminated using potassium cyanide. A mechanism is put forward to interpret the effect of cyanide via the formation of a stable cyano-metal complex with te interfering metal before the harmful depressing effect of the latter takes place in the quartz cell.