Determination of metal-cyanide complexes by ion-interaction chromatography with fluorimetric detection

A chromatographic separation/UV-photodissociation/fluorime detection system is reported for the determination of cyanide and metal-cyanide complexes. After separation by ion-interaction chromatography, the stable metal complexes are photodissociated with an on-line PTFE reaction coil irradiated by an 8 W standard germicidal lamp. Free cyanide is then detected by reaction with o-phthaldialdehyde and glycine to form a fluorescent isoindole derivative. The method allows the determination of labile cyanide and the cyanide complexes of Fe(II), Fe(III), Ni(II) and Co(II). The detection limits are about 10 mu g l(-1) cyanide, except for Co(CN)(6)(3-), which is less sensitive. The method has been successfully applied to the analysis of cyanide species in spiked river-water samples. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.