Primary methods of measurement in chemical analysis

Abstract

Primary methods of measurement have a central function in metrology. They are an essential component in the realisation of the SI units and therefore are indispensable for establishing traceability of measurements of all kinds of physical quantities to the corresponding SI units. This is also true for chemical analysis. Gravimetry, titrimetry, coulometry, and isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) are evaluated with regard to their potential to be primary methods according to a general definition of primary methods recently given by the Comite Consultatif pour la Quantite de Matiere (CCQM). Optical absorption spectrometry and methods based on colligative properties are also considered. A general scheme for establishing traceability of chemical measurements to the SI units using primary methods is discussed.