Introduction
According to Skoog, Holler and Crouch (2007, p.23) chromatography refers to the process of separating constituents of different chemicals that are in a sample for purposes of detection or individual use. There are different types of chromatography techniques. For example, the gas chromatography commonly referred to as the GC involves the separation of volatile compounds if found in a mixture of complex other chemicals (Henderson 2003, p.234). In this type of chromatography, the separation occurs based on vapor pressure differences as well as how the compounds behave while in the GC. According to Kurganov (2007, p.101) there are a different techniques in gas chromatography. Laghari, Khuhawar and Zardari (2007, p.2727) assert that in the formation of metal chelates, several analytical methods in the ultra-trace of such metals have evolved. Such techniques, which are responsible for precision, accuracy, and sensitivity of the metals, always find the use in a number of areas (Poole 2012, p.24). Some of the areas include water as well as in the analysis of wastewater. This paper will present a proposal on gas chromatography of volatile metal chelates: application of a new technique for metal analysis in natural waters.
Research Project Proposal
The process of forming metal chelates from a solution in an aqueous state is not something to go by in the event of determining how successful a given analytical method is (Stuart 2003, p.100). Usually, research has showed that not all ions in the aqueous metallic form react into an organic phase extraction. The primary reason for such is attributable to diketone hydrate formation. In order to overcome such limitations, this proposal aims at the adoption of a gas chromatography technique that incorporates a derivative of monothio (HFAS). The study will form the metal chelates directly from aqueous solutions whose concentration is 0.001M. The choice of this compound is because it has potential uses in such areas. In addition, there have been notable improvements in the system used in GC detection. Such developments call for a better method to trace the analysis of metals.
Methodology
The research will make use of analytical techniques in collecting as well as analyzing data for the gas chromatography. As such, analysis will be contacted in the lab through gas chromatographic methods as well as atomic absorption. For this reason, the study will make use of an absorption spectrometer as well as a gas chromatograph. In addition, an atomizer will be utilized in the detection of samples that have low concentrations and of small volumes. The study will make use of ACS grade reagents in the reactions along with subsequent gas chromatography studies. For this proposal, the specific chelating agents are the tetra methyl pentanone and the monothiohexafluoroacetylacetone (HFAS). The data collected from the study will be analyzed by the use of Excel spreadsheet. Excel is chosen since it will be easy to draw any curves or graphs required using excel. However, representation of data from the study will be by curves and graphs.
Conclusion
The study, therefore, will show that gas chromatography on a number of metal chelates such as the HFAS and the tetramethylpentane-3,5-dionate is possible (Henderson 2003, p.234). From the previously stated, according to Bayer et al. (2000, p.34) the success of an analytical technique cannot be based on the ability of the metal to form chelates from its aqueous solution. Usually, gas chromatography techniques, especially in the analysis of volatile metals, are hindered by the formation of diketone hydrate. Based on previous studies on the application of gas chromatography of volatile metal chelates, it is evident that the use of a better technique to metal analysis in natural waters is required (Grob 2000, p.21). As such, the adoption of the HFAS proved to be a significant alternative to other methods that were in use previously.
References
Bayer, O., Bulchel, K., Houben, J., Kropf, H., Muller, E. and Weyl, T. (2000). Methods of organic chemistry. Stuttgart [u.a.]: Thieme, pp.12-243.
Grob, R. (2000). Modern practice of gas chromatography. New York: Wiley, pp.20-21.
Henderson, D. (2003). The analytical application of tetradentate [beta]-ketoamine chelating agents in the gas chromatography of divalent transition metals. p.234.
Kurganov, A. (2007). A mass-balanced definition of corrected retention volume in gas chromatography. Journal of Chromatography A, 1150(1-2), pp.100-104.
Laghari, A., Khuhawar, M. and Zardari, L. (2007). Capillary gas chromatographic analysis of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate metal chelates. J. Sep. Sci., 30(16), pp.2727-2732.
Poole, C. (2012). Gas chromatography. Amsterdam: Elsevier, p.24.
Skoog, D., Holler, F. and Crouch, S. (2007). Principles of instrumental analysis. pp.1-300.
Stuart, B. (2003). Gas chromatography. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry, p.100.