The determination of microgram and sub-microgram amounts of boron : Absorptiometric determination using curcumin

Abstract

Three methods are described for the absorptiometric determination of boron present in alkaline residues in a platinum dish. These are based on the reaction of boric acid and a curcumin reagent to form the red compounds rubrocurcumin and rosocyanin The first method is suitable for quantities of the element between about 2 and 15 μg, the second is best used when between 0.5 and 4 μg are present and the third when the highest sensitivity is required, 0.01–0.2μg. The last method does not involve the use of an oxalic acid promotor and is thought to give the maximum sensitivity possible for any absorptiometric technique. The three procedures were developed and have been used over the last decade for the analysis of atomic energy materials and have received very thorough testing under routine conditions.