The use of selectivity in analytical chemistry - some considerations

Selectivity is a central term in analytical chemistry that describes whether the analyte can be measured without interferences. It is, however, often mixed up with specificity. In this review the situation in analytical chemistry is described with representative examples as well as pertinent discussions on the impact of selectivity. In order to generate sufficient selectivity, different interactions have often to be combined either in hyphenated separation methods, in sensors or with multivariate statistical analysis (computational selectivity) of the responses. Reference is also made to the influence from other parts of chemistry as well as how the term is dealt with in scientific journals, in textbooks and among authorities and scientific organizations. Finally recommendation is given to promote the use of selectivity. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.