Lesson 1.

Introduction to Analytical Chemistry

Overview:

This lesson provides you a glimpse of the brief background of Analytical Chemistry.
Specifically, it focuses on the meaning of Analytica Chemistry and the role of Analytic Chemistry
in various field of Sciences.

Objectives

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

a. Define Analytical Chemistry
b. Discuss the role of Analytical Chemistry in the various field of Sciences.

Learning Contents

Analytical Chemistry is a qualitative and quantitative in nature. It is also classified as

Instrumental or Classical. Classical methods of Chemical Analysis is the concentration of this
course, which understands the basics of Chemical Analysis that were laid down long time ago
that still serve as the standard methods of analysis, till now. The following are areas of analysis
and the questions they answer:

A. Quantitation - How much of the substance X is in the sample?

B. Detection - Does the sample contain substance X?

C. Identification - What is the identity of the substance in the sample?

D. Separation - How can the species of interest be separated from the sample matrix for
better quantification and identification?

The analytical process involves a sequence of logical events including:

1. Defining the problem - the analyst should know what information is required, the type and
amount of sample, the sensitivity and accuracy of the results, the analytical method which can
be used to achieve these results.

2. Obtaining a representative sample - it is significant to collect a representative sample for

analysis. This could be appreciated if, for example, an ore concentration in a mine or mountain
can be economically produced. One should take several samples from different locations and
depths, mix them well and then take a sample for analysis.
3. Preparing the sample for analysis - most analytical methods require a solution of the sample
rather than the solid. Therefore, samples should be dissolved quantitatively and may be diluted
to the concentration range of the method.

4. Chemical separation - the sample may contain solutes which interfere with the determination
of the analyte. If this is the case, analytes should be separated from the sample matrix by an
accepted procedure.

5. Performing the measurement - this implies conducting the analytical procedure and collecting
the required data.

6. Calculations - the final event in the analytical process is to perform the calculations and
present the results in an acceptable manner.

Range
The size of the sample can be used to describe the class of a method where a method
can be described as meso, if the sample size is above 100 mg or 100 microliters. A semimicro
method describes a sample size from 10 to 100mg or 50 to 100 microliters. When the sample
size is in the 1 to 10 mg or less than 50 microliters, the method is said to be a micro method
while a sample size less than 1 mg denotes an ultramicro method.

An analyte in a sample can be classified as a major constituent if it constitutes more than

1% of the sample or a minor in the range from 0.1 to 1.0%. It is classified as trace if it constitute
less than 0.1%.

The following discussion is an article of the role of Analytical Chemistry in Industry and
Environment.
Assessment

Watch the video of Garik Israelian in www.ted.com. Search the video of Garik Israelian
entitled How spectroscopy could reveal alien life. Read the give passage below as a
supplemental information for you to further understand the video. Then answer the guide
questions.

Garik Israelian is a spectroscopist who studied the profile of a planet host star for 8
months. He was able to find lithium 6 isotope, indicating that the star swallowed a planet or
asteroid because stars does not contain lithium 6. As a spectroscopist, he deals with images
and works in the laboratory for several years. The power of spectroscopy was first laid down by
Pink Floyd. There are various types of spectrograph and HARPS has been considered as the
number one high resolution spectrograph that is capable of detecting extrasolar planets and
sound waves in the atmospheres of stars. In spectroscopy, a spectra must be obtained. Spectra
is the splitting of white light into colors and the absorption patterns is capable of identifying
chemical elements. Once spectra is obtained, it can be used to study line of sight velocity of
cosmic objects and the chemical composition and physical parameters of stars, galaxies and
nebulae.

Figure 1.1. HARPS (right image) and spectra (left image)

Spectra of various heavenly bodies can be analyzed to determine their chemical
compositions. For example in a star just like the sun, a total of 24,000 spectral line present and
15% of these lines are not yet identified. Astronomers need to deal with one tiny, weak spectral
line to measure the composition of chemical element in the sun’s atmosphere. The spectral line
of gold is the only spectral line in the spectrum of the sun, and this weak feature is used to
measure the composition of gold in the atmosphere of the sun. In the supernovae for example,
osmium is the heavy elemet produced in the thermonuclear explosion. Supernovae is the only
place where osmium is produced. After comparison of the osmium compostion with one of the
planet host star, it was found out that supernovae explosion triggers planets and stars
formation. Another spectrum revealed an evidence that blackhole comes from supernovae
explosion due to the presence of huge amount of oxygen and other elements in the star. Other
studies also found an alien stars in the galaxy based on the spectra of one star coming from a
different galaxy. Indeed spectroscopy can give evidence that elements were naturally produced
when stars explodes.

Figure 1.2. Spectral line of sun (right image) and spectral line of sun with its gold composition
(left image)
 Various instruments can be used such as high spectrum Spectrograph CODEX that can
detect Earth-like planet. Astroseismology can also detect sound waves in the atmosphere of the
stars. Detection of the tectonic and volcanic activity is also a good tool for the detection of life in
other planets. Radio telescope can also give signals for the presence of life. Biomarkers on the
other hand can detect vegetated areas.

Figure 1.3. HARPS (right image) and Biomarkers (left image)

Guide Question:

1. How Astronomers like Garik Israelian study heavenly bodies. Cite the techniques and
instruments he used.

2. Name other fields of sciences that are used in studying Astronomy. Give specific
examples.

3. Do you believe that there is any possibility in finding alien life or earth-like planets?
Why?

Reference

Caroll, D.M., The Role of Analytical Chemistry in Industry and Environment. Ballymun Road.
Dublin. 9