GAS-CHROMATOGRAPHIC DETECTION OF ORGANOGERMANIUM COMPOUNDS BY SURFACE OR GAS-PHASE LUMINESCENCE

The flame photometric detector responds to organic compounds of germanium similar to the way in which it responds to organotins. Two modes of operation have been investigated; these are based on luminescence originating on a quartz surface (emitter unknown) or in the gas phase (GeH bands). The surface luminescence is the more sensitive analytical mode: 1 pg of tetrabutylgermanium can be detected, corresponding to ca. 1 · 10-14 g Ge/sec. However, peaks may be broadened by the surface effect, and tin responds significantly stronger than germanium. The gas-phase luminescence, monitored at 650 nm, is the less sensitive mode: 15 pg of Bu4Ge can be detected, corresponding to ca. 2 · 10-14 g Ge/sec. However, peaks are dnot broadened, and germanium is favored over phosphorus, tin, sulfur, and hydrocarbon by approximately 1,2,1-3, and 6 orders of magnitude, respectively. © 1979.