labeled compound-for example, dl-phenylalanine must contain not more than 1% of 1-phenylalanine together with the other amino acids and impurities. Solubility analysis is one of the few means that can establish such a purity for these compounds. 2. Determining the number and quantities of impurities. The ortho, meta, and para isomers formed in the nitration of benzene to dinitrobenzene have been determined. 3. Determination of the purity of many compounds such as paracodine tartrate, arabinose, sorbose, and sulfaquinoxaline.
Pittsburgh Analytical Symposium HE Fourth Annual Pittsburgh Analytical Symposium, held TJanuary 20 and 21, was attended by almost 400 analytical chemists. Featured a t the meeting was the general discussion by I. M. Kolthoff on the role of reaction kinetics in analytical chemistry. For the first time an instrument exhibit by eleven laboratory supply companies was held, featuring the newer analytical tools.
The technique involved is fairly simple, though tedious. One prepares a series of suspensions of the compound in a suitable solvent, equilibrates the solutions by tumbling in a constant temperature bath, removes some of the supernatant liquid, and determines the amount in solution. If each suspension has identicai solubility, the compound is pure; if not, the increase in solubility is an indication of the amount of impurity present.
Role of Reaction Kinetics in Analytical Chemistry. I. M. KOLTHOFF, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn. An understanding of reaction kinetics can be used in various analytical problems. A mixture of two compounds may contain two similar reactive (functional) groups which react in a similar way with a given reagent, but with different speeds. When the sum of both reactive groups is known, the amount of each constituent can be found from the amount of reagent that has reacted a t a given constant temperature with a given excess of reagent after a suitable reaction period. The most favorable time of reaction can be derived from the rate constants of the two reactions of the functional groups with the reagent. Examples of this type of analysis are the determination of the amount of 1,2- and 1,4-addition in rubber by reaction with perbenzoic acid, the determination of two esters by saponification with base, and the determination of two compounds containing a carbonyl group by reaction with bisulfite or decomposition of the bisulfite addition products. The accuracy of many oxidation reduction titrations can be greatly affected by the occurrence of induced reactions. Especially induced air oxidation can cause large errors. An understanding of the mechanism of such induced reactions can be applied to advantage for the improvement of analytical procedures. The reaction between dilute hydrogen peroxide and ferrous iron was discussed in detail in the presence and absence of organic compounds and of oxygen. An interpretation of the induced reactions was given. The results are used in the determination of traces of organic hydroperoxides in various organic materials by the ferrous iron method. Without considering the induced air oxidation this method may give errors of the order of 300 to 400’%.
Electrolytic Separation of Rhodium from Iridium a t a Controlled Cathode Potential. WILLIAMMARSHALL MACNEVIN AXD SAMUEL MILLERTUTHILL, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. The electrolytic separation of rhodium from iridium has beau successfully accomplished using a controlled cathode potential circuit of the Lingane type. The solution contained 3.5 molar ammonium chloride and the cathode was operated a t 0.4 volt more negative than the saturated calomel electrode. Rhodium deposits were found to contain oxide and it was necessary to reduce the electrolytic deposit in hydrogen gas a t 450 C. Iridium, although it does not deposit a t voltages up to 1.0 volt more negative than the saturated calomel electrode, codeposits strongly a t -0.3 volt (us. S.C.E.) in the presence of rhodium. The cause of this induced codeposition of iridium has not been explained but it has been prevented by preliminary destruction of complex ions, oxidation of iridium to the tetravalent state before electrolysis and by the addition of sufficient ammonium chloride (3.5 M ) . The adaptation of the electrolytic separation to the Gilchrist-fichers scheme for the platinum group metals was discussed. O
Polarographic Technique in Organic Analysis. ELVING, Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind.
PHILIPJ.
The basic principles of polarographic measurements as applied to organic compounds were reviewed. From such measurements it is possible to determine organic compounds and functional groups quantitatively with a precision of 1 to 4 parts per hundred. The factors to be considered in developing and applying polarographic methods of analysis to organic compounds were discussed. Under favorable conditions, mixtures of such closely related compounds as isomers can be analyzed. Many organic compounds which are not polarographically electroreducible or electro-oxidizable can be converted to polarographically measurable compounds by simple quantitative reactions. In addition to strictly analytical uses, applications of the polarographic technique include the determination of reaction rates, the elucidation of reaction mechanisms, the study of keto-enol equilibria and of cis-trans isomeric compounds, the behavior and extent of hydrogen bonding, and the measurement of relative redox potentials.
Statistical Methods in the Chemical Industry. 4 Case History. B. L. CLARKE, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N. J. The primary purpose of this paper was to interest those dealing with chemical processes who are not now making use of modern statistical methods in the statistical field. The thesis was presented and maintained that statistical methods hitherto used almost exclusively by nonchemical workers have inherently many logical adaptations to the chemical field. The paper consisted essentially of the case history of a successful attempt to introduce statistical methods into a company manufacturing chemicals : 1. Type of problems statistics can be of help in 2. Where such problems arise in the chemical industry 3. What one company is doing toward solving such problems by
statistical means 4. Future of this project 5. Generalized implications
Analysis of Molybdenum-Tungsten and Cobalt-hlolybdenuniThe CleveTungsten High Speed Steels. WALDOL. EMERSON, land Twist Drill Go., Cleveland, Ohio.
Purity Determinations as Ascertained by Phase Studies. W. J. ~IADE A NR D H. A. FREDIANI, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N. J. The analyst is being called upon daily to determine the purity of compounds accurately. With the advent of the newer highly active pharmacological preparations where a small amount of closely related impurity may modify the drug entirely, it is necessary to have available a means of proving the compound’s purity. This is of fundamental importance. Ultimate analysis, boiling point, molecular weight, absorption, group analysis, etc., fail when one is dealing with isomeric compounds. Solubility analysis offers a means of analjzing such closely related organic compounds providing the other components are present as distinct phases, and the contaminants are present in substantial quantities (0.1% or better).
This paper outlined the procedures used in the laboratory of the Cleveland Twist Drill Company for the sampling and analysis of molybdenum-tungsten and cobalt-molybdenum-tungsten high speed steels for the elements carbon, manganese, silicon, chromium, tungsten, vanadium, molybdenum, and cobalt. Detailed outlines of colorimetric procedures for manganese, molybdenum, and tungsten were given. h-one of the methods is new but certain critical steps were emphasized and expected accuracies by the procedures employed were noted. A procedure for the precipitation of cobalt by a-nitroso-pnaphthol, which results in an easily filterable solution, was outlined. Attention was given to the polarographic determination of residual copper nickel, and cobalt, employing a slight modification of the method of Lingane and Kerlinger.
Solubility analysis has been used with considerable success on the following types of problems.
Determination of Sitrogen in Steel. JOHN L. HaGuE, National Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C.
1. Establishing the purity of amino acids. The Merck specifications for amino acids state that they must contain 99% of the
A rapid titration method was described for the determination of nitrogen in steel. A sample weight of 0.5 to 1.0 gram is usually
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V O L U M E 21, N O . 2, F E B R U A R Y 1 9 4 9 required, and the nitrogen is put into solution as ammonium sulfate by appropriate treatment of the sample with sulfuric acid. The ammonia formed in the process is separated from the bulk of the sample by steam distillation from an alkaline solution. The distillate is collected in boric acid solution, and the nitrogen is determined by titration with 0.01 N acid. Provision is made for the solution of difficultly soluble nitrides, and the effect of some of the commonly used alloying elements on the solubility of nitrogen compounds in steel was discussed. An accuracy of the order of 0.002% nitrogen is indicated for samples containing up to about 0.10% nitrogen. In the lower range of nitrogen contents, somewhat better accuracy can be obtained by attention to pertinent details. A single determination can be completed in less than 10 minutes after solution of the sample, and a group of ten determinations can be carried out in approximately 2 hours. Ultraviolet Absorption Analysis for Naphthalenes. NORMAN D. COGGESHALL A N D ALVINS. GLESSSER,JR.,Gulf Research & Development Co., Pittsburgh, Pa.
A method for the analysis of hydrocarbon mixtures boiling in the kerosene range for naphthalene, a-methylnaphthalene, and 6methylnaphthalene is based on the ultraviolet absorption characteristics of the naphthalenes. Despite the rather close similarity of the spectra of these compounds it has been found practical to analyze for all three at the same time using the usual method, based on Beer’s law of absorption, wherein data taken at several different wave lengths are used. The accuracy obtainable under routine conditions is satisfactory, the average errors being less than 0.3% of the .total sample. This was tested using synthetic samples and by making material balance calculations on the data obtained from several distillation and concentration processes. For proper utilization, the cuts must be made between definite temperature limits. I n a number of cases it is desirable to determine the naphthalene content of lower boiling cuts which do not contain methylnaphthalenes, but do contain large concentrations of mononuclear aromatics. These latter compounds, by virtue of their heavy concentrations, contribute appreciable “background” absorption a t the characteristic absorption wave lengths of naphthalene. To determine the naphthalene content i t is necessary to determine the amount of background contribution and to correct suitably for it, by utilizing numerical relationships between various points in the naphthalene spectrum. The accuracy of the method is satisfactory, the average errors for samples containing up to 10% naphthalene being no larger than 0.1% total sample. This was tested by means of synthetic samples and by re-examining actual samples to which known amounts of naphthalene had been added. Some Operational Experiences with Infrared Gas Analyzers.
~TILLIAIII J. HAPPELAXD NoRhfAs D. COGGESHALL, Gulf Research & Development Co., Pittsburgh, Pa.
The development within the past few years of instruments based on selective infrared absorption which give a continuous record of the concentration of one component in a product gas stream is of material aid in process investigations. This paper outlined and briefly described some of the operational experiences encountered in the applications of such an analyzer t o pilot plant operation. As it is sometimes necessary that the instruments utilized in pilot plant operation be serviced by nontechnical personnel, it is of very great importance that their operation and maintenance be as simple as possible and their performance be consistently reliable. In achieving these conditions i t was found necessary to make a number of instrument modifications. A sensitivity or scale expander circuit was installed. This allows an electrical compensation to be made for any loss of sensitivity due to changes in the optical part of the equipment and it also permits the sensitivity to be adjusted to any desired value. An additional regulation, provided for the radiation source, was done through the use of neon lamps and resulted in less drift and greater base line stability. The use of the instruments for streams containing sulfur dioxide led to a chemical deterioration of the cement retaining the cell windows. I t was necessary to develop a technique for the cementing of windows which would not be affected by such gases. In some cases there were very large variations in the concentration of water vapor in the stream. Previously, all the water vapor had been removed by use of a drying train. I t was found advantageous to investigate those cases in which the water vapor would not affect the results or corrode the system and permit wet gas to pass through when possible. Details of such tests were given.
Spectrum Excitation with the Use of the Quantometer. J. R. CHURCHILL, Aluminum Research Laboratories, New Kensington,
Pa.
The use of the Quantometer in the development of methods for the analysis of aluminum has provided valuable information on various factors influencing excitation. The effects produced by surrounding the analytical gap with air, nitrogen, argon, and helium were described and the influence of water concentration in various atmospheres was discussed. Results of preliminary investigations on the influence of matrix variations and metallurgical history of samples were given. Experiences in the Quantitative Spectrograpnic Analysis of Brines. R. G. RUSSELL,Gulf Research & Development Co., Pittsburgh, Pa. Brines are not the type of samples that can be easily analyzed using spectrographic methods. It was the desire to develop a spectrographic method which would be more rapid than conventional chemical procedures as well as give information not ordinarily obtained by such methods. The net result was a quantitative spectrographic procedure for nine elements in brine which is not ideal because of hygroscopicity of the brine samples but which gives acceptable results for these nine elements. An alternating current spark method on briquetted pellets is employed and details were given. Standards can be prepared for elements capable of being determined spectrographically and an over-all recision of *IO% of the elements can be obtained. A method g r the determination of the major constituents (sodium, magnesium, calcium) was explained. The Doubling Factor Applied to Emulsion Calibration Curves and Working Curves. E. M. MCMAHAN, Aluminum Research Laboratories, New Kensington, Pa, Two concepts, “doubling ratio” and “doubling length,” have been introduced to describe emulsion calibration and working curves. The doubling ratio is the ratio of the intensities corresponding to a doubling of the ordinate value. The doubling length is the distance spanned by these intensity values-Le., the logarithm of the doubling ratio. The convenience of these concepts was illustrated by using them to construct curves, to perform certain calculations useful in making comparisons between curves, and also to develop an equation showing the magnitude of the error arising from the use of an incorrect calibration curve. Comparative Study of Methods for the Determination of Nckel. M. D. COOPER,General Motors Corp., Detroit, Mich. The paper presented a comparison of the gravimetric, spectrophotometric, polarographic, and cyanide titration methods for the determination of nickel in steel. The methods were compared with respect to their reliability and speed, the former based on maximum and standard deviation data and the latter on the time required to analyze a large number of samples simultaneously. For the comparative study four samples were chosen which provided nickel values ranging from 0.04 to 2.0%. The investigation of the polarographic method was limited to a study a t one nickel level because of unavailability of an adequate supply of a particular reagent of suitable purity. Further progress with the method will depend upon solving the problem of reagent supply. The paper presented the limited data obtained and defined the difference between suitable and unsuitable reagent from the performance standpoint. In regard to the spectrophotometric method a new approach i n the oxidation of nickel t o obtain the soluble dimethylglyoxime compound was described. The effect of copper and manganese on the absorbency of solutions of the nickel compound and the errors which may attend disregard of the interference of these elements constituted a major phase of the discussion. I n addition to the material related to the analysis of steel, the method was shown to be applicable in the analysis of aluminum alloys. In the latter a modified proeedure, which permits the accurate determination of nickel in the resence of copper, was shown to be twice as rapid as methods whicx depend upon preliminary removal of copper. An Improved Method for the Determination of Phosphorus in Alloys. JAMESL. KASSNERAND MARYALICE OZIER, University of Alabama, University, Ala. The determination of phosphorus in cast iron, steel, and other alloys is carried out in three steps-solution of the sample, pre-
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cipitation of the ammonium molybdiphosphate, and titration of this salt to determine the amount of phosphorus present. This study dealt specifically with the second and third steps in this procedure. The solution of the samples is effected in each case by standard procedure. This study shows that the time for a complete determination can be shortened by using a double-strength citromolybdate solution in place of the conventional ammonium molybdate solution and separating the ammonium molybdiphosphate precipitate a t the boiling point. The nitric acid-free precipjtate is dissolved in an excess of standard solution of sodium hydroxide, and the excess caustic is titrated with standard nitric acid in the presence of the new mixed indicator used in the determination of phosphorus entoxide in phosphate rock. The analysis of twenty Bureau of tandard samples indicates that the accuracy and precision of this method are good.
E
Separation of Cesium from the Other Alkalies, and the Preparation of Cesium Bromide. V. A. STENGER, The Dow Chemical Go., Midland, Mich. In a study of the solubilities of various metal halides in liquid bromine, it was found that cesium bromide is very soluble whereas the bromides of other alkali and alkaline earth metals are not. This solubility difference has been utilized for the separation of cesium from other elements and has been applied on a pilot plant scale for the production of cesium bromide from pollucite ore. Pollucite, a cesium aluminum silicate, is leached with hydrobromic acid, leaving silica as a residue. Alkali bromides are precipitated with isopropanol, in which aluminum bromide is soluble. The precipitate is rinsed with isopropanol, then is dried and extracted with bromine. Evaporation of bromine from the extract leaves cesium bromide, which is e a d y purified by crystallization from water. Cesium bromide is suggested as a convenient starting material for the preparation of other cesium salts, particularly for use as analytical reagents. Isoquinoline as a Reagent in Inorganic Analysis. Zinc. A. E. SPAKOWSKI AND H. FREISER, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa. Isoquinoline, a tar base recently made commercially available, has many properties desirable in an analytical reagent. When a
Philadelphia Meeting-in-Miniature Third Meeting-in-Miniature sponsored by the Philadelphia T Section, AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY, was held in Philadelphia, January 20, 1949. Papers of special interest to HE
analytical chemists are abstracted here.
A Thermometric Method for the Determination of Sulfur J. T. WOODS,AND Trioxide in Chlorosulfonic Acid. 15‘. SEAMAN, M. IT.BANK,Calco Chemical Divison, American Cyanamid Co., Bound Brook, N. J.
A more precise and specific method was needed for the determination of sulfur trioxide in chlorosulfonic acid than the conventional procedure involving the determination of total acidity and chloride values from which the sulfur trioxide may be calculated indirectly. This need was met by a method that involves measuring the temperature rise which occurs when dry hydrogen chloride, passing through the sample, reacts with the sulfur trioxide and calculating the sulfur trioxide content of the sample from a standard equation. Over the range 0.4 to 2.8% sulfur trioxide the method has a precision expressed as a standard deviation of +=0.024% (absolute) of sulfur trioxide. There is no reason to believe that there is any systematic error. Sulfuric acid does not interfere, a t least in concentrations up to 5%. For the conditions described 3% sulfur trioxide is the upper limit of the concentration of sulfur trioxide that may be determined by the method, but samples containing as much as 35% sulfur trioxide have been measured by dilution techniques with a precision somewhat better than may be attained by the usual procedure involving the determination of the total acidity and chloride values. There is some evidence for the existence of the equilibrium: ClSOaH
SO3
+ HCl
solution of isoquinoline and a thiocyanate is added to solutions of certain divalent cations, precipitates corresponding to the formula Me(CoH,N)2(CNS)2are formed. The general nature of the reaction was considered. The reagent, already successfully applied to the analysis of copper in alloys and ores, also provides a means for the gravimetric determination of zinc, since the precipitates of the two cations are formed a t different pH’s. The average accuracy of the method applied to the estimation of zinc in brasses i s 3 to 4 parts per thousand. Umpire Method for the Determination of Tin in Plain Carbon Steel. W. R. SAYREAND G. NORMAN REIS, Edgar Thompson Works, Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corp., Braddock, Pa. This paper reports a study of some features of the umpire method. This old, familiar method is more attractive than it appears a t f i s t glance. The following alterations to the original method are proposed: The use of ammonium sulfide instead of hydrogen sulfide. The use of potassium thiocyanate to indicate the proper condition for complete precipitation of the tin. A simplified reduction and titration procedure. Plain carbon steels, which yield stable organic tin compounds were discussed. A procedure for determining tin in plain carbon steels with an accuracy of about *0.0005% was outlined. Vacuum Fusion Gas Analysis of Metals, Particularly Steel.
W. A. PEIFER, Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corp., Brackenridge, Pa.
An introductory explanation of the nature of vacuum fusion analysis and the reactions involved was given. Various designs of vacuum fusion analysis equipment were described and their merits discussed. The operation procedure for a typical apparatus was described. The method of making the so-called fractional vacuum fusion analysis was described with a brief discussion of the nature and usefulness of the results so obtained. Procedures for sampling and for preparation of samples were discussed with emphasis placed on precautions, particularly in reference to samples which are to be ahalyzed for hydrogen. Precision and accuracy obtainable with present equipment were indicated. The usefulness of this method of analysis was indicated by examples of problems successfully elucidated by its use.
Volumetric Determination of Small Amounts of Iron. ChroF. HAZEL,AND mous Chloride as Reducing Agent. W.D. COOKE, W. M. MCNABB,University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa. A method was described for the volumetric determination of iron in samples ranging from 0.1 to 9 mg. of iron. The accuracy of the method is 0.2 to 1%, depending upon the weight of the sample. The time required for a complete analysis is 2 to 3 minutes. Chromous chloride solution is used to reduce ferric iron to the ferrous state. The excess chromous ion is oxidized by atmospheric oxygen. S o appreciable oxidation of the iron occurs under the conditions of the experiment. The ferrous iron is titrated with a standard dichromate solution using diphenylamine sulfonate as indicator. The chromous chloride solution is stored in an ordinary dropping bottle with a small amount of liquid zinc amalgam which keeps it reduced. Five to 25 ml. of ferric iron solution containing 0.1 to 9 mg. of iron are acidified with either sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. One or 2 drops of phenosafranine indicator are added. To this are added one or two drops of a chromous chloride solution until the pink color of the indicator disappears and the solution becomes a light, clear-green color. The solution is swirled until the pink color reappears. 4 few drops of 50% phosphoric acid and 0.05 to 0 1 ml. of diphenylamine sulfonate are added and the ferrous iron is titrated with a 0.007 or 0.003 N solution of potassium dichromate. The end point is reached when the color of the solution changes from a light pink or violet to a purple color. Determination of Glucose, Galactose, and Rhamnose in Mixtures. W.L. PORTER AXD C. S. FENSKE, Jr., Eastern Regional Research Laboratory, Philadelphia, Pa. A method was presented for the analysis of all possible combinations of glucose, galactose, and rhamnose as encountered in hydrolyzates of flavonol glycosides. The sugar determinations are made by Schrool’s copper reduction method, before and after
