Determination of metal-cyanide complexes by ion-interaction chromatography with fluorimetric detection

• Published in: Analytica chimica acta Vol. 403; no. 1; pp. 197 - 204
• Main Authors: Miralles, E, Compañó, R, Granados, M, Prat, M.D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 03.01.2000; Elsevier
• Subjects: Analytical chemistry; Applied sciences; Chemistry; Chromatographic methods and physical methods associated with chromatography; Continental surface waters; Cyanide speciation; Exact sciences and technology; Fluorimetry; Liquid chromatography; Natural water pollution; Other chromatographic methods; Photodissociation; Pollution; Water treatment and pollution; Liquid chromatography; Photodissociation; Fluorimetry; Cyanide speciation; Cobalt Complexes; Fluorescence detector; Iron Complexes; Chemical analysis; Nickel Complexes; Anionic complex; Transition metal Complexes; Cyano complex; Environmental control; Ion chromatography; Multicomponent analysis; Ultraviolet irradiation; Water pollution; River water; Quantitative analysis
• ISSN: 0003-2670; 1873-4324
• DOI: 10.1016/S0003-2670(99)00603-0

A chromatographic separation/UV-photodissociation/fluorimetric detection system is reported for the determination of cyanide and metal-cyanide complexes. After separation by ion-interaction chromatography, the stable metal complexes are photodissociated with an on-line PTFE reaction coil irradiated by an 8 W standard germicidal lamp. Free cyanide is then detected by reaction with o-phthaldialdehyde and glycine to form a fluorescent isoindole derivative. The method allows the determination of labile cyanide and the cyanide complexes of Fe(II), Fe(III), Ni(II) and Co(II). The detection limits are about 10 μg l −1 cyanide, except for Co(CN) 6 3−, which is less sensitive. The method has been successfully applied to the analysis of cyanide species in spiked river-water samples.