Inorganic modifiers in ion-pair chromatographic separation of dicyanoaurate(I)

Abstract

Eluents based on tetrabutylammonium hydroxide and acetonitrile containing inorganic anions, carbonate or perchlorate, as modifiers were used in the separation of gold cyanide complexes from other metal cyano complexes. By varying the inorganic modifier concentration, interference from base metal and silver cyanide complexes on gold cyanide separation was eliminated. An eluent containing perchlorate showed a higher relative response than one containing carbonate, the elution time was comparatively shorter with perchlorate, and the sensitivity was enhanced. Spectrophotometric detection at 215 nm was used.