Universal temperature programmes for modifier-free electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry of trace elements in pharmaceuticals

Abstract

A universal temperature programme and a calibration procedure for the modifier-free electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric (ETAAS) determination of trace amounts of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn and V in various pharmaceuticals (aspirin, Analgin, paracetamol, Nivalin, amidophen) are proposed. The influence of the chemical form of the analytes in medicines on their pre-treatment and atomization behaviour was investigated. The modifier effect of the pharmaceuticals is explained by the samples' reducing action. It is impossible to determine As in all the medicines studied and Sn in Analgin by ETAAS without chemical modification of the matrix.