Comparison of three derivatization reagents for the analysis of Se(IV) based on piazselenol formation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A comparison between the performance of three derivatizing reagents (4-chlo ro-o-phenylendiamine, 4-nitro-o-phenylendiamine and 2,3-diaminonaphthalene) for the analysis of selenite in environmental samples using gas chromatogr aphy-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been evaluated. The effects of different parameters (pH, temperature and time of derivatization, type and volume of organic solvent and time and number of extractions) oft the derivatization reaction and extraction of the derivatives have been evaluated. Derivatiza tion using 2,3-diaminonaphthalene took a longer time compared to those obta ined using the other reagents. The highest sensitivity was obtained using 4 -chloro-o-phenylendiamine. No matrix interferences were observed in tap, ri ver and seawater using the three reagents. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. A ll rights reserved.