The Effect of Organic Solvents on the Flame Photometric Emission of Certain Elements

Experience with a limited number of hydrocarbons used as solvents in flame photometric procedures with metallo-organic compounds suggested the possibility that other non-aqueous materials may exert an influence upon the emission characteristics of metals. In order to explore this possibility, a variety of compounds including hydrocarbons and oxygen-, nitrogen-, and halogen-containing materials were tested, using both alkali and alkalineearth metals in the form of metallo-organic compounds. The data obtained from the various combinations are presented and discussed. In general, the data indicate that the solvent influences the extent of emission and that, in certain cases, an enhanced emission may be used to an advantage in increasing the sensitivity of flame photometric analyses.