Analytical solvent sublation of metallic dithizonates. Part I. Solvent sublation of copper

Abstract

The analytical applicability of the solvent sublation technique was investigated in connection with the separation and pre-concentration of trace metals combined in the form of dithizonates. Sodium lauryl sulphate was used as a collector in connection with dithizone solutions in isobutyl methyl ketone. Under suitable experimental conditions the process allows for the quantitative separation of trace amounts of copper through the easy handling of large liquid samples of up to several litres. Several experimental parameters were studied and optimised including pH, co-ligand to collector ratio and flow-rate of carrier gas. The influence of background salinity was also studied.