Microdetermination of nitrogen in organic compounds by the sodium fusion-spectrophotometric method

Abstract

In the absence of the preferred Dumas nitrogen apparatus or the more sophisticated nitrogen analyzers, a micro-Parr bomb can serve to determine microquantities of nitrogen in organic compounds. The sample or compound, either solid or nonaqueous liquid, is decomposed by fusing with metallic sodium in a sealed nickel bomb. The nitrogen is converted to sodium cyanide. The excess sodium is decomposed with absolute ethanol. The solution is adjusted to pH 7.1-7.2 with dilute hydrochloric acid and analyzed for cyanide by the Chloramine-T and mixed pyridine/pyrazolone reagent method. The absorbance of the blue color formed is measured with a spectrophotometer at 615 nm. The amount of cyanide found is converted to the equivalent nitrogen in the compound. The method is not as rapid as desired but it is handy, simple, and economical. As with any micro or semimicro method, this procedure is sensitive to technique. Compounds must contain carbon and be essentially free of moisture. 5 references, 1 table.