Simultaneous detection of alkylselenide, alkyllead and alkyltin compounds by gas chromatography using a multi-channel non-dispersive atomic fluorescence spectrometric detector and a miniature flame as the atomiser

Abstract

A multi-channel non-dispersive atomic fluorescence spectrometer with a miniature argon-hydrogen flame as the atomiser was interfaced with a gas chromatograph using a wide-bore capillary column. The system was tested for the simultaneous detection of alkylselenides (M₂Se and Me₂Se₂), alkylleads (PbMe₄ and PbEt₄) and alkyltins (SnMe₄ and SnEt₄). A phototransistor detector was also used to detect organic substances reaching the flame atomiser. Elimination of the interference effects amongst the analystes and those due to the organic compounds themselves was successful. Large volumes of solvent may affect the signal of a given analyte by quenching if they have the same retention time. This can be overcome by the choice of a suitable solvent. Detection limits (3σ) of 10 pg of Se, 30 pg of Pb and 50 pg of Sn were obtained.