Analytical Services
for IC Analysis for % F, Cl, Br, I and P
Ion Chromatography
Oxygen flask combustion is employed to prepare samples for analysis by Ion Chromatography (IC) and ion specific techniques to determine total fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and phosphorus in both organic and Inorganic samples. Our technicians quantify these elements from percentage levels down to parts per million.
The analysis of the halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine) and phosphorus in organic compounds has always been of interest to the organic chemist. When combined with other elemental data such as the percentages of C, H, N and S the overall purity of a compound can be assessed.
There are many techniques available to analyse these elements. Traditional micro methods such as oxygen flask combustion followed by titration, UV/Vis spectroscopy or ion selective electrode analysis are reliable and accurate for pure materials but are prone to interferences or suppression with ‘real world’ samples. For example, the analysis of chlorine, bromine or iodine by titration is widely used but the titrimetric analysis of these elements in admixture is not possible. The use of ion selective electrodes is also prone to errors with mixtures of these anions.
We have largely replaced these traditional methods with modern ion chromatography which is very specific, has a wide working range and is generally free from interferences. The analysis of fluorine is particularly reliable with this technique. Although relatively slow, ion chromatography is a powerful technique in the determination of a multitude of anions especially when used in conjunction with hydropyrolysis combustion sample preparation.
We are able to analyse many other anions with ion chromatography such as nitrite, nitrate, sulphite, sulphate, phosphite and phosphate. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Sample Delivery Address
OEA Laboratories Ltd.
Unit 1A-1D
North Road Industrial Estate
Okehampton
EX20 1BQ
Sample submission forms:
- IC analysis for % F, Cl, Br, I and P
Sample Preparation
Relatively small samples weights are required for analysis. The sample weights used will vary according to the application, the sample type, detection limits and precision that needs to be achieved.
For analysis at percentage levels sample sizes of 5 to 10 milligrams per analysis are adequate. For trace levels below 0.05% sample weights must be increased to 50 to 100 milligrams.
Where possible please submit more sample than required. This greatly assists our technicians to recover and transfer material into small capsules and allows us to run random QC check samples.
Sample preparation might be required to obtain the best representation at the recommended weight levels. Unless otherwise requested samples are analysed ’as received’.
Samples must be free from residual solvents or moisture to provide reliable results. Depending upon the sample type, samples should dehydrated by freeze drying or vacuum oven drying to constant weight. Samples should be finely ground using a mortar & pestle or a ball mill to ensure that the sample is representative at the target sample weight.
We are able to prepare or pre-treat your samples at additional cost. We are able to accurately determine loss of weight on drying (on a micro scale) where required. Please contact us to discuss any aspects of sample preparation that you may require.