Application Finder

This work was carried out with a Metrosep C 2 - 150 separation column, the following eluent parameters being investigated: nitric, tartaric, citric and oxalic acid concentration and concentration of the complexing anion of dipicolinic acid (DPA). The aim was to determine the effect of these parameters plus that of the column temperature on the retention times of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, ammonium and amines using ion exchange chromatography with non-suppressed conductivity detection. Due to similar affinities for the ion exchange column, transition metals are difficult to separate with the classical nitric, tartaric, citric and oxalic acid eluents. Partial complexation with the dipicolinate ligand significantly shortens the retention times and improves the separation efficiency. However, too strong complexation results in a rapid passage through the column and thus in a complete loss of separation. Apart from a change in the elution order of magnesium and calcium at high DPA concentrations, other non-amine cations are only slightly affected by the eluent composition. Irrespective of the tartaric acid and nitric acid concentration in the eluent, an increase in column temperature shortens the retention times and slightly improves the peak symmetries of organic amine cations, particularly in the case of the trimethylamine cation. In contrast, an increase in column temperature in the presence of DPA concentrations exceeding 0.02 mmol/L increases the retention time of the transition metals. Depending on the separation problem, variation of the pH value, the use of a complexing agent and/or an increase in column temperature are powerful tools for broadening the scope of cation chromatography.

The analytical challenge treated by the present work consists in detecting sub-ppb concentrations of low-molecular-weight amines in the presence of strongly retained cationic drugs by using ion chromatography (IC) with upstream inline coupled-column matrix elimination (CCME). In contrast to direct-injection IC, where the late elution of strongly retained drugs requires eluents with added acetonitrile, the CCME technique uses two preconcentration columns in series. In an «inverse matrix elimination step, cationic drug and target amines are trapped on a high-capacity and a very-high-capacity preconcentration column, respectively. During amine determination, a rinsing solution flushes the drug to waste. This significantly shortens the analysis time and improves sensitivity as well as selectivity. Besides the determination of monomethylamine in Nebivolol hydrochloride discussed here, the CCME technique is a promising tool for detecting further low-molecular-weight amines in a wide range of drugs.

The presented IC system with inline sample preparation allows the determination of traces of lithium and sodium (ppt) in the presence of ppm quantities of ammonium and ethanolamine.

Indication of the titration endpoint of the weakly alkaline or weakly acidic terminal groups in non-aqueous solution is frequently not easy. An improvement is possible by using a suitable titrant (TBAH = tetrabutylammonium hydroxide for terminal carboxyl groups; perchloric acid for terminal amino groups).An improvement in the evaluation can also be achieved by choosing benzyl alcohol as the solvent.The choice of electrode combination and the measuring setup is also important. Differential potentiometry using the three-electrode technique results in a great improvement in titrations in poorly conducting solutions. Noisy signals are eliminated.

This Application Bulletins describes the determination of nicotinamide (vitamin PP), a vitamin of the B series. Instructions for the determination in solutions (e.g. fruit juice), vitamin capsules and multivitamin tablets are given. The linearity range of the determination is also specified. The limit of detection is approximately 50 μg/L nicotinamide.

This Application Bulletin describes the polarographic determination of folic acid, a vitamin of the B series, also known as vitamin B9 or vitamin BC. Instructions for the determination in solutions (e.g. fruit juice), vitamin capsules and multivitamin tablets are given. The linear range of the determination is also specified. The limit of detection is approx. 75 µg/L folic acid.

This Application Bulletins describes the polarographic determination of thiamine (vitamin B1). The procedure allows an analysis in monovitamin preparations. The linear range of the determination is also given. The limit of detection is approx. 50 µg/L thiamine.

Determination of 3-dimethylamino-1-propylamine in cocoamidopropyl betaine using cation chromatography with direct conductometric detection.

Determination of sodium, ammonium, methylamine, guanidine (Gu), and aminoguanidine (Agu) in wastewater using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, putrescine, cadaverine, and histamine in a wine sample using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of sodium, potassium, DMEA (dimethylethanolamine), calcium, choline, and magnesium in a saline solution using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of trimethylamine in hydrogen peroxide (31 %) using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection after inline matrix elimination, inline preconcentration, and inline calibration.

Determination of mono-, di-, and trimethanolamine (MMA, DMA, TMA respectively), in the presence of lithium, sodium, ammonium, potassium, magnesium, cesium, calcium, and strontium using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of dimethylamine (DMA), trimethylaminoxide (TMAO), trimethylamine (TMA), putrescine, cadaverine, and histamine in a fish sample using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of traces of methylamine, isopropylamine diethylethanolamine, and diethylamine in the presence of lithium, sodium, ammonium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of traces of methylamine, dimethylamine, and trimethylamine in methylpyrrolidone using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Methylamine (MMA), dimethylamine (DMA), and trimethylamine (TMA) in methylpyrrolidone using Metrohm Inline Matrix Elimination.

Determination of hydroxylamine, ethanolamine, triethanolamine, and hydrazine using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of methylamine in the presence of sodium, ammonium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of trans-4-methylcyclohexylamine in a pharmaceutical product using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of tributylamine in a pharmaceutical product (gabapentine) using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of N-methylpyrrolidone (N-MP) in a pharmaceutical product (Cefepime Hydrochloride) using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of Bethanechol Chloride and HPTA (2-hydroxy-propyl-trimethyl ammonium chloride) besides sodium and calcium using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA) in the presence of lithium, sodium, ammonium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of monomethylamine (MMA), dimethyl-amine (DMA), and trimethylamine (TMA) in the presence of lithium, sodium, ammonium, potassium, cesium, calcium, and magnesium using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of monomethylamine (MMA), dimethylamine (DMA), trimethylamine (TMA), monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA) using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of benzylamine in a beta blocker (Nebivolol) using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection. A step gradient for fast elution of the main component is applied.

Determination of dimethylamine in Metformin (N,N-dimethylimidodicarbonimidic diamide, anti-diabetic drug) using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of lithium, sodium, ammonium, and monoethanolamine (MEA) using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection and Metrohm Inline Preconcentration and Inline Calibration.

Water in steel-based cooling systems requires a pH value slightly above 7 to prevent corrosion. Often ammonium or organic amines are applied for pH adjustement. This application shows the separation of typical amines besides inorganic cations. Sample preconcentration applies combined Inline Preconcentration and Matrix Elimination (MiPCT-ME).

Bethanechol is a pharmaceutical compound which is used to treat urinary retention. This API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) can be determined by cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection. A good separation is achieved between bethanechol and its degradation product 2-hydroxy-propyl-trimethyl ammonium (HPTA) and the standard cations. Peak shape and resolution meet the USP requirements for bethanechol.

Fast IC means short run times and a high sample throughput on columns with a relatively high flow rate and the standard eluent. Mono-, di- and tri-ethanolamine are separated with the Metrosep C 4 - 150/2.0 within 2.5 minutes.

Fast IC means short run times and a high sample throughput on columns with a relatively high flow rate and the standard eluent. Mono-, di- and trimethylamine are separated with the Metrosep C 4 - 150/2.0 within four minutes.

Biogenic amines and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) are indicators for the quality of grape fermentation. The consumption of amine-rich wines often leads to headaches, which is why the amine concentrations in wine must be monitored. This Application Note describes the determination of trimethylamine N-oxide, putrescine, cadaverine and histamine, in addition to various standard cations, with the aid of the Metrosep C 6 - 100/4.0 column and subsequent direct conductivity detection.

This Application Note describes the determination of N,N-diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA), triisopropanolamine (TIPA) and a cationic color developing component (CDC) in a developer solution. The analysis is performed on a high-capacity column such as Metrosep C - 250/4.0 with subsequent direct conductivity detection. To reduce the residence time of the strongly retained color developer components, the column flow rate is increased after the elution of the amines.

In natural gas production, the removal of contaminants, and in particular acidic gases such as H2S and CO2, is exceptionally important. These acidic gases are removed in the amine wash through chemical treatment with amines or alkanol amines. This application shows a convenient and precise analysis with the separation of various amines and standard cations on a column of the Metrosep C 6 - 250/4.0 type with subsequent direct conductivity detection.

1,3,5-trioxane is a heterocyclic compound formed by trimerization of formaldehyde. Trioxane is used for the production of polyformaldehyde plastics such as poly(oxymethylene) (POM) and solid fuels. Aqueous 1,3,5-trioxane solutions frequently contain trace triethylamine that requires quantification. This is performed on the Metrosep C 3 - 250/4.0 column with subsequent direct conductivity detection.

N-methyldiethanolamine and piperazine are used in scrubber solutions, e.g., in the natural gas process. Testing this type of samples by ion chromatography requires a good resolution and the separation of amines from standard cations. The separation is achieved on a Metrosep C 4 - 150/4.0 column applying direct conductivity detection.

Before the liquefaction process of the natural gas, carbonate and hydrogen sulfide need to be removed through a scrubber solution containing piperazine and N-methyl diethanolamine (MDEA). The concentration ratio of the two components is determined by ion chromatography on a Metrosep C 4 - 150/4.0 column applying direct conductivity detection.

2-amino-N-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-acetamide is a organic building block for synthesis of pharmaceutical products. Its purity is crucial for the success of the respective synthesis step. 2,2,2-trifluoroethylamine, glycine, and inorganic cations are of interest. Their total peak area is required to be < 2 % of the peak area of all peaks above the reporting level. Separation and quantification is achieved on a Metrosep C 4 - 250/4.0 cation column.

Abrasive machining of e.g., metal parts requires a cooling lubricant. Their purpose besides cooling and lubrication is to inhibit corrosion. Amines are added to the emulsion to keep the pH high. In the actual application, DCHA and MDCHA have to be analyzed besides other amine components and inorganic cations. To avoid oil contamination on the IC system, Inline Dialysis is applied. The detection is performed by direct conductivity detection.

Bicine (2-(Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino)acetic acid) is a corrosive component. It has to be avoided in acidic gas sweetening solvents. These solvents are based on organic amines. Bicine is amphoteric, holding a carboxylic and an amine group. Under the applied conditions, the amine groups are at least partially protonated and therefore may be separated by cation chromatography. The detection mode is direct conductivity detection.

Natural liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a mixture of hydrocarbon gases (e.g. propane and butane), but it also contains acidic contaminants (e.g. carbon dioxide or hydrogen sulfide). These gases need to be scrubbed from the petroleum gas as they are highly corrosive. This purification step, referred to as «sweetening», is often performed by using alkaline amine solutions. Thereby the amine solution absorbs the acidic gases, while the raw LPG is neutralized. To guarantee that amine residues in the sweetened gas do not influence the gas quality, the amines in the final LPG are determined by scrubbing the gas with acetic acid as described in UOP 936-96. The recent method enables the quantification of the amines dimethylamine (DMA), diethylamine (DEA), dipropylamine (DPA), and dibutylamine (DBA) by separation from standard cations.

Isopropylamine and dicyclohexylamine are used as emulsifiers and need to be determined in emulsions along with standard cations. However, emulsions must not be injected directly into the ion chromatograph as the organic components may damage the ion exchanger stationary phase in the separation column. Inline Dialysis as sample preparation is the perfect tool for such samples. The ions of interest are separated from the organic phase by diffusion through the hydrophilic membrane, thus protecting the column. Full automation makes the analyses even easier and more efficient for the user.

Harmful industrial flue gases like H2S and CO2 cause corrosion of pipes and damage the environment. Adding the correct amount of amines in scrubber solutions, e.g. ethanolamines and methylamines, will neutralize these gases («gas sweetening»). Non-suppressed cation analysis with direct conductivity detection is a straightforward and robust technique for the quantification of monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), monomethylamine (MMA), dimethylamine (DMA), and trimethylamine (TMA) via ion chromatography. Thanks to the high capacity of the Metrosep C 6 column, large volumes can be injected without compromising the peak shapes. The analytical technique can be used at laboratory scale but also for process analysis.

The concentrations of toxic, biogenic amines in foods, particularly in fish and wine, are an important quality characteristic. The present Application Note shows the separation of putrescine, cadaverine and histamine in addition to the standard cations. Separation takes place on a Metrosep C Supp 1 - 250/4.0 with Dose-in Gradient; quantification via conductivity detection following sequential suppression.

This Application Note shows the selectivity of the Metrosep C Supp 1 - 250/4.0 column for alkyl and ethanol amines in addition to standard cations under isocratic conditions. Quantification takes place using conductivity detection following sequential suppression.

Meropenem is a beta-lactam antibiotic that is classed among the carbapenems; it suppresses murein biosynthesis and thus the buildup of the bacterial cell wall. Dimethylamine is an important precursor in meropenem synthesis and must therefore be monitored as an impurity. Detection is performed on the Metrosep C Supp 1 - 250/4 column with subsequent conductivity detection after sequential suppression.

Boiler feed water is a working medium in thermal power plant. To keep corrosion low, the pH value should be in the slightly alkali range, which is why amines are added to the feed water. This addition must be monitored regularly. Also important is the monitoring of the sodium concentration, because an increase of this indicates that cooling water is seeping into the condenser. Ion chromatography with conductivity detection following sequential suppression is the optimum system for monitoring, particularly in combination with intelligent Sample Preconcentration and Matrix Elimination.

Hydrogen peroxide is available in different purity grades depending on its use. High purity H2O2 (electronic grade) requires very low contamination levels, e.g., less than 1 μg/L of trimethylamine (TMA). This application describes the determination of trimethylamine in a high-purity H2O2 solution (30%). Analysis is performed using Inline Preconcentration with Matrix Elimination (MiPCT-ME) applying conductivity detection after sequential cation suppression.

Biogenic amines are released during the winemaking process. In wine, they are present as odorless salts. However, in the mouth their flavor is partially liberated, influencing the appearance for the wine taste. Besides this, biogenic amines have been related to lack of hygiene or poor manufacturing practices. The biogenic amines are determined applying suppressed cation chromatography.

Succinylcholine is a short-term paralyzing agent used e.g., for tracheal intubation. Choline is a building block of the drug and needs to be determined as an impurity. USP applies cation chromatography with conductivity detection after suppression. Eluent composition and column type do not exactly comply with the USP method. However, the results fulfill the respective requirements. The choline concentration of the sample is out of USP specifications.

The Metrosep C Supp 2 column family is polystyrene/divinylbenzene based and therefore sequential cation suppression may be applied. This AN shows the separation and detection of different amines on the 150 mm version of the column with subsequent conductivity detection after sequential cation suppression.

Determination of trace levels of cations and amines in hydrogen peroxide is important in quality determination of high-grade semiconductor chemicals. In particular, some manufactures look for 1 ppb trimethylamine or less in hydrogen peroxide samples. Ion chromatography after MiPCT-ME* with conductivity detection after sequential cation suppression is applied.

Dissolution of urea in glacial acetic acid, and titration with standard 0.1 mol/L trifluoromethanesulfonic acid in acetic acid using isobutyl vinyl ether as a thermometric endpoint indicator.

Fertilizers are applied in the agricultural sector to provide more essential nutrients to growing plants. The so-called «NPK» fertilizers provide such nutrients to plants with its three main components (N – nitrogen, P – phosphorous, K – potassium). In fertilizers, nitrogen is mainly provided in three forms: as ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), ammonia (NH3), and urea (H2NCONH2). Determination of the individual nitrogen-contributing components is often laborious work. Thermometric titration offers the possibility to rapidly determine the amount of ammoniacal nitrogen and urea nitrogen in a single titration using sodium hypochlorite as titrant.

Determination of diethylamine and trimethylamine using cation chromatography with MS detection.

Urea is not a typical analyte for ion chromatography. In combination with MS, however, IC is the method of choice for the trace analysis of urea in ultrapure water. This Application Note shows the determination of urea concentrations in the ppb range using the Metrosep C 6 - 250/4.0 column.

Alendronate, also referred to as alendronic acid, is a biphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis. It is the main ingredient in the tablets and is determined in accordance with the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015). Separation takes place in the Metrosep A Supp 4 - 250/4.0 column; direct conductivity detection is used for quantification.

This Application Note shows how the amine number and the solids content in electrophoretic lacquer coatings can be determined quickly and simply with Vis-NIR spectroscopy. Additional parameters can be determined reliably and conveniently with a single measurement.

This Application Note shows that visible near-infrared spectroscopy (Vis-NIRS) can be used for the quantification of five effective insecticide and herbicide components (Abamectin emulsifiable concentrate (EC), Emamectin EC, Cyhalothrin EC, Cypermethrin and Glyphosate) in pesticides. Vis-NIRS is an excellent alternative to conventional lab methods, saving both cost and time.

Functional group and viscosity analysis (ASTM D789) of polyamides can be a lengthy and challenging process due to the sample’s limited solubility. This application note demonstrates that the DS2500 Solid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for a simultaneous determination of the intrinsic viscosity as well as the amine, carboxylic, and moisture content in polyamides. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the analysis of polyamides in less than a minute.

The quality control of diesel exhaust fluids (DEF) is key to ensure the optimal catalytic performance and prevent damage to the exhaust system in diesel vehicles. The standard method to determine urea content is measuring the refractive index (ISO 22241-2:2019). The issue is that although this method is fast, it is not as accurate as other methods (e.g., HPLC). This application note demonstrates that the DS2500 Liquid Analyzer provides a fast solution with high accuracy for the determination of urea in DEF. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, visible near infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy allows for the analysis of diesel exhaust fluids in less than a minute.

This study shows how NIR spectroscopy simultaneously measures capsaicin content, Scoville Heat Units, water activity, ASTA color, and ash content in paprika powder samples.

Traditionally, catecholamines are separated using reversed-phase chromatography followed by amperometric detection. This Application Note describes the determination of catecholamines in an emergency medication for life-threatening allergic reactions.

Scrubber solutions for scrubbing flue gas often contain amines for absorbing acid gases, e.g., sulfur dioxide (SO2). 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine and 1,4- Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine from gas scrubber solutions are separated in the Metrosep Carb 2 - 150/4.0 column and then determined using pulsed amperometric detection.

Carbon capture systems strip carbon dioxide from flue gases. Online analysis of amines and carbon dioxide enhances amine usage efficiency and reduces operational costs.

Neutralizing amines are added to adjust pH levels within the water-steam circuit of power plants to avoid corrosion-inducing conditions. This preventive maintenance can reduce costly and critical downtimes due to corrosion, however frequent monitoring of the amine chemistry is necessary to ensure conditions stay optimal. The 2060 IC Process Analyzer featuring the Metrohm intelligent Partial Loop Technique (MiPT) option is ideal for this application, with the ability to measure trace amounts of the analytes precisely and reliably through an automated method. The benefit of using IC is that multiple analytes can be monitored simultaneously, and here the ability to measure the presence of sodium next to the high ammonium or amine concentrations could indicate that cooling water is seeping into the circuit, indicating a problem upstream.

Accurate analysis of complexing agents in galvanic baths is possible with inline Raman spectroscopy. This Application Note shows an example using a 2060 Raman Analyzer.

Compared to potentiometric titration, Raman spectroscopy is a rapid, accurate, and reliable secondary method for estimating the amine value (AV) of epoxy hardeners.

Determination of tranexamic acid in injection solutions by nonaqueous potentiometric titration with perchloric acid using a glass electrode.

The purity of sulfanilamide was determined by means of automatic potentiometric titration using sodium nitrite as the titrant. The solution was spiked with potassium bromide, because bromide ions catalyze diazotization titration.

Metformin is one the most commonly used drugs for diabetes type 2 belonging to the group of biguanides. This Application Note describes the determination of metformin hydrochloride assay according to USP using acetic anhydride as solvent.

Quaternary ammonium salts are the active ingredients in fabric softener and require accurate determination to assess the cost and the performance of the fabric softener. This Application Note describes the determination of diamidoamine-based quaternary ammonium salts by potentiometric titration.

Quaternary ammonium salts are the active ingredients in fabric softener and require accurate determination to assess the cost and the performance of the fabric softener. This Application Note describes the determination of dialkyl dimethyl quaternary ammonium salts by back titration.

The amine value is an important parameter and quality indicator to determine in chemical processes and pharmaceuticals. This Application Note presents the nonaqueous perchloric acid titration of triethanolamine.

Determination of saccharin, benzamide, and o-toluenesulfonamide in a nickel electroplating bath using RP chromatography with UV detection.

Determination of thiamine hydrochloride according to USP 28-NF 23 (second supplement) using RP chromatography with UV detection.

Determination of penicillin G potassium and 2-phenyl acetamide in accordance with USP 28-NF 23 (Appendix 2) using RP chromatography and subsequent UV detection. Keyword: Antibiotics

Determination of melamine in milk, diary products, eggs, and egg-based foodstuffs using cation chromatography.

Paracetamol is an effective antipyretic and analgesic. Its determination in tablets using reverse phase chromatography and UV detection is quick and easy with the sample preparation described in this Note. The 815 Robotic Soli Prep for LC does everything automatically: from dissolving the tablets, homogenizing and filtering, to 250-nL-Loop injection.

Determination of 1-methyl-nicotinamide hydrochloride in a standard using Na2CO3 as electrolyte.

Thiourea is determined by cathodic stripping voltammetry (CSV) at the HMDE in ammonia buffer at pH 8.9. Chloride in the sample does not interfere with this determination.

This Application Note describes the polarographic determination of thiourea in electroplating baths used in the production of copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) or copper indium diselenide thin-film solar cells (CIS). Cadmium sulfide (CdS) from the electrolyte solution is deposited as a thin film on the CIS or CIGS absorber layer via chemical bath deposition (CBD).

This e-book explains how Raman and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy enable rapid, nondestructive polymer analysis, ensuring high quality while reducing costs and waste.

The combination of ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (IC-ICP/MS) is ideally suited for the detection of species of arsenic and mercury in their various oxidation levels and forms of chemical bonding. However, some species – as in the case of mercury – are reciprocally converted into one another during sample preparation, thus making a determination of the initial concentrations of the heavy metal species impossible. This article shows how these interconversions can be calculated with isotope dilution analysis and IC-ICP/MS in accordance with EPA method 6800.

For the first time, glyphosate determination and that of its primary metabolite AMPA in drinking water using IC with pulsed amperometric detection (flexIPAD) in the low µg/L range are shown. Compared to HPLC analysis with a mass-selective detector, it is a very cost-effective method for determining the glyphosate and AMPA content in water and foodstuffs. With a detection limit at approx. 1 µg/L, compliance with limit values for glyphosate can be monitored in the USA, Canada, and Australia, among others.

Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering or SERS is an anomalous enhancement of Raman scattering when molecules are adsorbed to gold or silver nanoparticles – this enhancement can be as large as 107. The advantage of SERS for the analytical chemist lies in its ability to detect analyte concentrations of parts per million and even parts per billion levels, while classical Raman is limited to parts per thousand. Metrohm Raman produces P-SERS assays in the form of nanoparticles printed onto substrates using inkjet technology. This method produces inexpensive test strips that exhibit exceptional stability and sensitivity. There are two markets that can be easily addressed with P-SERS: forensic analysisand food safety. This white paper explains the mechanism of SERS and how it can be applied to handheld Raman analysis with Metrohm Raman Mira systems.

NIR spectroscopy has been traditionally limited due to the water absorption in this spectral range. In this way, the well-known water restriction has limited the development of new applications for NIR spectroelectrochemistry. In this work, several interesting alternatives are proposed in order to minimize or even to remove the aqueous contribution in this spectral range.

Agriculture at significant scale without fertilizers is no longer possible in the modern world. To grow a sufficient amount of produce for nearly 8 billion people as well as for domesticated animals and industrial uses, fertilizers of different nutrient compositions are available to cater to the unique needs of various soil types. Information on the fertilizer’s composition (e.g., total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) is available to help select the ideal fertilizer for a specific soil. Conventionally these constituents are determined either gravimetrically (e.g., phosphorus, potassium, or sulfate) or with ICP-OES (e.g., phosphorus or potassium). These methods either have the disadvantages of long analysis times combined with laborious sample preparation (gravimetry), or require expensive instrumentation with high running costs (ICP-OES). This White Paper elaborates how thermometric titration is a fast and inexpensive alternative method to provide information on the content of various nutrients in different fertilizers.

Ion chromatography mass spectrometry (IC-MS) is a powerful tool that can handle many challenging analytical tasks which cannot be performed adequately by IC alone. IC-MS is a robust, sensitive, and selective technique used for the determination of polar contaminants like inorganic anions, organic acids, haloacetic acids, oxyhalides, or alkali and alkaline earth metals. After separation of the sample components via IC, mass selective detection guarantees peak identity with low detection limits. The inclusion of automated Metrohm Inline Sample Preparation (MISP) allows not only water samples, but also chemicals, organic solvents, or post-explosion residues to be readily analyzed without need for extensive manual laboratory work. This White Paper explains the benefits of IC-MS over IC in certain cases, the hyphenation of IC and different MS systems, as well as related norms and standards.