Determination of oxalate in alumina process liquors by ion chromatography with post column chemiluminescence detection

Abstract

The analysis of oxalate in Bayer liquor had been successfully demonstrated using a combination of ion-exchange chromatography and post-column detection based on a chemiluminescence reaction with tris(2-2′bipyridyl)ruthenium(III). Common interferences, including other dicarboxylic acids and inorganic anions, have been shown to elicit no significant response. The chemiluminescence response is linear and a detection limit of 10–7 mol l–1 possible. The potential use of this method for other complex samples is presented. Chromatographic conditions provide a rapid analysis with sample analysis possible every 5–8 min.