Study of the fluorescent complex of morin-boric acid as a flow through sensor for the determination of boron

The possibilities of an optical sensor for boron determination based on the fluorescent complex of morin-boric acid were studied. A simple flow chemos ensing system, gave no response to boron, then, a sensor phase packed in a flow cell system, was used. Resins of different types and a sol gel were em ployed as supports and the results obtained in each case are presented. Dif ferent immobilisation techniques were tested and a higher response was obta ined using a batch approach and a Dowex 1x2 resin. In this case the system proposed does not require anhydrous acetic acid. The analyte was introduced in two ways: in continuous flow and by flow injection. The latter resulted in larger sensitivity and a linear calibration between 10(-3) - 10(-2) mol L-1. The optimum conditions for boron detection are shown.