Some unique properties of gas chromatography coupled with atomic-emission detection

The atomic-emission detector in gas chromatography is enormously versatile in applications in analytical chemistry. Its unique properties of high selectivity for most elements and low limits of detection combine to make it the preferred detector for many analytical problems. In this review the stress is laid on the possibility of using it for compound-independent calibration, for determination of the empirical formula of an unknown analyte, for isotope-selective detection, and on derivatization to give AED-active derivatives with advantageous detection properties. Both metals and non-metals are considered and examples of the use of atomic emission detection in real-world analysis are discussed.