Analytical Chemistry

Chapter One
Introduction
What is analytical chemistry?
Analytical chemistry is a field of chemistry that deals with the identification and
determination of constituents of a sample.
It is based on qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis and characterization analysis.
Qualitative analysis is concerned with identification of the type and kind of analyte or
constituent of a sample. Screening of an athlete’s urine for the presence of performance-
enhancing drug or determining for the presence of lead in ground water are examples of
qualitative analyses.
Quantitative analysis is concerned with the determination of amount and quantity of
analyte present in a sample. Elemental analysis of new compound and determination of
glucose in blood are examples of quantitative analyses. Characterization analysis is
concerned with the development of new methods for characterizing the physical and
chemical properties of constituents of a sample. Determination of chemical structure,
equilibrium constants, particle size and surface structure are examples of characterization
analyses. The purpose of qualitative, quantitative and characterization analysis is to solve
a problem with a sample.
A fundamental analysis, on the other hand, is concerned towards improving the methods
of analytical chemistry. Extending and improving a theory in which a method is based,
studying a method’s limitations and designing and developing new methods are examples
of fundamental studies in analytical chemistry.
Application of Analytical Chemistry
Analytical chemistry plays a very significant role in many disciplines having a central
place in science and technology. It also plays a major role in many industries in
connection with problems such as, quality control and in ascertaining most appropriate
experimental conditions for obtaining maximum yield of a particular product.
Geologists use analytical procedures for analyzing ground water, minerals, rocks, ores
etc.
In agriculture, chemical analysis is used to determine the constituents of soils, in the
production of fertilizers, insecticides, and weed killers.
In environmental studies, it is used in waste disposals and determining the composition of
air in industrial areas to safeguard the public health.
Medical and biological research programs depend on chemical analysis which provide
information that enhances our understanding of vital processes and helps in developing
medicines to cure various diseases.
In industry chemical analysis is important in controlling the quality of raw materials,
intermediate and finished products.
Metallurgical products are most essential materials of modern economy. The properties
of alloys depend on its composition which is established by analytical methods.
Methods of Analytical Chemistry
Methods of analytical chemistry are classified into two. These are chemical (classical)
method of analysis and instrumental (modern) method of analysis.
1. Chemical method of analysis
Chemical method of analysis could be classified as qualitative chemical analysis and
quantitative chemical analysis.
Qualitative chemical analysis involves the identification of constituents of sample
based on reactions of sample and a reagent that show color change, formation of
precipitate and gas formation.
Quantitative chemical analysis is based on measurement of mass and volume of
sample or reagent in chemical reactions to determine the amount of analyte in a
sample.
Advantages:
They are accurate and precise. They are relatively economical because no
sophisticated instrument is needed.
Disadvantages:
These methods are slow requiring many steps. They are time consuming and hence
are not appropriate for the analysis of large samples.
2. Instrumental method of analysis
It is a method based on measurement of physical property for the identification and
determination of an analyte. Some analytes are sensitive to light and are called
photoactive species. Some analytes are sensitive to electrical quantity and are called
electro-active. Generally instrumental method of analysis can be classified into
optical(spectrophotometry, IR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy and etc.), electrical
(potentiometry, conductimetry, voltametry, amperometry etc.) and chromatographic
method of analysis (paper chromatography, thin layer chromatography, Gas liquid
chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography etc). Instrumental methods
of analysis are fast and can be used for batch analysis (analysis of large samples). The
shortcoming of instrumental method of analysis is its uneconomical nature
. The instruments require regular calibration and checking. Some of them are not as
accurate as the chemical method of analysis.
Steps of chemical analysis
Chemical analysis involves a series of steps. The steps are outlined below.
1. What is to be analyzed? (problem)
2. Selecting an appropriate method
3. Designing an experimental method
4. Preparation and treatment of sample
5. Measurement of some property (conduct the experiment- data collection)
6. Analysis of data (statistical treatment of data- interpretation of results)
7. Conclusion (summarizing the result of analysis)
Terms and Definitions in analytical chemistry
Analysis: a process that provides chemical and physical information about the constituent
of the sample and the sample itself.
Sample: is a representative of the bulk material that contains the active ingredient to be
analyzed.
Analyte: is the active ingredient of the sample or the substance to be analyzed.
Matrix: all constituents of the sample except for the analytes.
Reagent: is the pure chemical substance used for analyzing unknown sample by the
changes it undergoes when it reacts with the analyte present in the sample.
Determination: an analysis of a sample to find the identity, concentration and properties
of the analyte.
Measurement: an experimental determination of an analyte’s chemical and physical
properties.
Major constituent: is one whose amount is 1 percent or more of the sample material.
Minor constituent: is one whose amount is 0.01 to 1 percent of the sample.
Trace constituent: is one whose amount is less than 0.01 percent of the sample.

Complete Analysis: involves the determination of all constituents detected qualitatively