Analytical diagnostics for ultrapurification of reagent materials.
01 January 1986
The use of reliable analytical methods for diagnosing deficiencies of ultrapurification techniques is reviewed. Examples that distinguish between intrinsic limitations of ultrapurification methods and impediments resulting from conditions prevailing during the experimental execution of the purification process are discussed. Chemical and physical purification techniques based on solvent extraction, ion exchange, mercury cathode electrolysis, cryogenic sublimation and column chromatography are covered. Purity analysis and diagnostics using neutron activation, atomic absorption, x-ray fluorescence, radioisotope techniques, infrared spectroscopy, and laser intracavity absorption spectrophotometry are discussed. The dynamic interplay between technological needs for the preparation and reliable analysis of ultrapure materials and the resulting stimulation of advances in analytical chemistry are highlighted.