Vapor Generation Techniques for Trace Element Analysis: Fundamental Aspects

Vapor Generation Techniques for Trace Element Analysis provides an overview and discussion of the fundamental aspects governing derivatization reactions of trace-level elements for analytical purposes. Vapor generation techniques coupled with atomic or mass spectrometry have been employed for over fifty years, but their popularity has dramatically increased in recent years, especially as alternative vapor generation approaches have been developed. Despite this popularity, very few efforts have focused on understanding the fundamental aspects governing the derivatization reactions associated with the various vapor generation techniques. This book bridges the knowledge gap of the derivatization mechanisms that yield volatile compounds and provides an update on recent developments in vapor generation techniques used for the determination and speciation of trace elements by atomic optical and mass spectrometry. It serves as a comprehensive, single-source overview of most recent developments and provides readers with an understanding of the correct implementation and limitations of applying vapor generation techniques to everyday analytical problems facing the trace element analyst.