Device for trace analysis for fluorine in reaction tubes by atomic-absorption spectroscopy

Abstract

An analytical method is described for the detection of trace amounts of fluorine by atomic-absorption spectroscopy. Sodium vapour is made to react with fluorine-containing compounds at temperatures of about 800 °C, and, under certain conditions, the decrease in the atomic sodium concentration gives a relative and specific value for the amount of fluorine present. The best instrument parameters for the experimental determination were measured and theoretically interpreted; 0·8 ng of fluorine was found to be the detection limit. As an example of the practical importance of this technique of trace analysis for fluorine, its application as a fluorine-specific detector in the gas chromatography of trifluoroethanol is described.