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An Atomic Absorption Analysis Method for Cyanide

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1973

Year

Abstract

Abstract An atomic absorption analysis procedure for cyanide has been developed. The procedure is based upon the solubilization of copper(II) from a basic copper carbonate in an alkaline medium. The amount of copper complexed by the cyanide ion is determined by atomic absorption and a calibration curve is constructed concurrently. The stoichiometry of the cyanide-copper complex is 3:1, implying formation of the complex ion Cu(CN)− 3, with no formation of CuCN observed at the low concentration of cyanide used. The method is used primarily for analyzing low levels of cyanide; the sensitivity of the method extending down to 2.0 × 10−5 M CN−. The most likely interference, iron, is considered. Finally, recovery of cyanide from spiked samples is demonstrated.