Analytical Chemistry Introduction to Analytical Chemistry Outline • • Analytical Chemistry Analytical Approach Analytical Chemistry - it is “the science of inventing and applying the concepts, principles, and strategies for measuring the characteristics of chemical systems”. (Murray, R. W. 1991. Anal. Chem., 63, 271A). - it is a measurement science consisting of a set of powerful ideas and methods that are useful in all fields of science, engineering, and medicine. - it is often described as the area of chemistry responsible for characterizing the composition of matter, both qualitatively and quantitatively. - it is a science of measurements • Roles of Analytical Chemistry - it has provided many of the tools and methods necessary for research in other traditional areas of chemistry, - it is fostering multidisciplinary research in: - medicinal chemistry - clinical chemistry - toxicology - forensic chemistry - materials science - geochemistry and environment - the essence of analytical chemistry is in developing new tools for solving problems, and in defining the type and quality of information available to other scientists. - it is an important tier of environmental protection and has been traditionally linked to compliance and/or exposure monitoring activities for environmental contaminants. Analytical Approach 1. Identify and Define the Problem - the analytical chemist works similarly to any other scientist involved in basic research to address a hypothesis in a scientific area by developing new measurement methods or techniques. - the second aspect of analytical chemistry practice hinges on the importance of chemical measurements to address technical problems related to manufacturing and regulation. - in this mode, the analytical chemist may be a member of a team addressing a particular problem and the goal may not be to answer questions to test a hypothesis, but to solve a particular practical problem. - this is best accomplished through discussions with others involved in answering the problem; Common Analytical Problem 1. Quantitative Analyses - the most common analytical problem (it tells us of how much is present?) - it includes elemental analyses of a newly synthesized compound, - measuring the concentration of glucose in the blood. - measuring the amount of contaminant such as pesticide 2. Qualitative Analyses - we need to identify what is present in the sample - this includes identifying the products of chemical reactions. Example: - Screening an athlete’s urine for possible performance – enhancement drugs - Determining the spatial distribution of Chromium, Lead and some other toxic substances on the surface or airborne particulates 3. Characterization Analyses - methods for characterizing physical and chemical properties. - determination of chemical structure - determination of equilibrium constant of particle size and of surface structure. 4. Fundamental Analysis - it is important to improve our understanding that supports an analytical method and to understand better an analytical method’s limitations. - it tells us how does these methods work - how can it be improved? BSMLS | ALIPIO, R. Analytical Chemistry Introduction to Analytical Chemistry 2. Design the Experimental Plan/ Procedure - selection of the method of analysis - sampling - sample preparation 3. Perform Analysis - the samples will be collected, treated and subjected to analysis according to the plan developed in step 2. *The first step in performing the measurements is to verify that the instrument is working properly. 4. Data Analysis and Interpretation - once the data has been acquired, it must be converted into a format that leads to meaningful interpretation. BSMLS | ALIPIO, R.
