170135_inorganicventures_flipping

12:1 Acid Digestions of Organic Samples

Nitric Acid Diges-ons:

Ø The lack of nega-ve side effects is unfortunately limited to the inorganic side of the table. Ø The ability of nitric acid to react with alcohols and aroma-c rings forming explosive compounds (nitro glycerine and TNT, to name two) calls for cau-on when using nitric acid alone or in combina-on with other reagents in the decomposi-on of organic matrices. Ø If your sample contains -OH func-onality it is best to pre-treat the sample with concentrated sulfuric acid. When concentrated, the sulfuric will act as a dehydra-ng agent. - R-CH2-CH(OH)-R' + H2SO4 � R-CH = C(OH)-R' + H2O Ø I do not recommend the use of nitric acid for the diges-on of highly aroma-c samples. Ø Nitric acid does not break down organic components to CO2↑ and H2O.

12:2 Acid Diges3ons of Organic Samples

Nitric and Perchloric Acid Diges3ons:

Ø Nitric acid is rarely used alone.

Ø It is best used in combina4on with sulfuric and/or perchloric acids for organic sample diges4on. Ø For samples that are not highly aroma4c and/or contain a high -OH func4onality, I prefer to use nitric acid followed by perchloric acid. Ø The only element that may be lost from a nitric/perchloric diges4on is Hg. Ø Care should be exercised and the literature consulted before aCemp4ng to use nitric acid in combina4on with other acids for organic sample diges4ons