Determination of trace amounts of tin by hydride generation direct current plasma atomic emission spectrometry: interference reduction by L-cystine

Abstract

A direct current plasma atomic emission spectrometric method has been established for the determination of tin by hydride generation with a detection limit (3σ) of 20 pg ml^–1. The method is rapid (one determination per minute). Severe interferences from a number of transition metals have been effectively eliminated by the addition of 0.4 g of solid L-cystine. However, interferences from Au^III, Pd^II and Pt^IV remained significant. Results from the determination of trace amounts of tin in NBS Standard Reference Materials Copper “Benchmark” II and III, Open Hearth Iron 55E and Low Alloy Steel 363 showed excellent agreement with certified values.