18
1 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry
Box 1.7
The regular tetrahedron of Fig. 1.12 can be distorted by pulling one, two or three of its
vertices.
Placing Analytical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry in this geometric model is very easy
(at the theory and analysis vertices, respectively). Organic and Inorganic Chemistry share the
synthesis vertex and other branches such as Chemical Engineering, Agricultural Chemistry,
Pharmaceutical Chemistry,etc, are at the applications vertex. However, such a stiff distribution
is not factual. The chem istry of today and tomorrow fits in the centres of the tetrahedron
edges, along which it can move in both directions. Th us, for a synthesis to be properly approached, the underlying theoretical principles must be known and the results of the analysis
of the raw materials, intermediates and end products available. Chemical Engineering relies
on synthetic developments and on analyses providing quality results.
Analysis rests on physico-chemical principles and on a wide variety of synthetic products
that are used as reagents or standards. However, it also provides solid support for synthesis
and applications, as well as for experimental testing of basic theories.
theoretical chemical support. The link to the application component is a
frequent source of confusion since, if Analytical Chemistry does not rely on its
intrinsic fundamentals, its applied facet prevails and the tetrahedron of Fig. 1.12
becomes a triangle: improperly approached, Analytical Chemistry is a mere
application of Chemistry.
I 1.4.6 Boundaries
Analytical Chemistry cannot be confined to the laboratory or library. To be
consistent with its definition, it must expand its traditional boundaries. This
anomalous situation has been promoted by a departure from its intrinsic
fundamentals. One modern approach to Analytical Chemistry is based on the
broad horizon depicted in Fig. 1.13.
Analytical Chemistry should establish effective links with the social and
economic areas that raise analytical problems in order to accurately identify the
type of information required at an early stage; in addition, it should take an
active role in ensuring that the information produced is properly and efficiently
used. As noted in the previous section, Analytical Chemistry should also relate
to other scientific and technical areas for their mutual benefit.
More specifically, analytical chemists should leave the laboratory if required
to undertake sampling operations, which are crucial with a view to ensuring
representativeness (a capital analytical property as shown in Chap. 2). When
needed, the analytical chemist should also design, implement and maintain
analytical systems such as industrial process analysers, environmental pollution
monitors or spacecraft analysers, which must inevitably operate outside the
laboratory. These are issues of increasing impact and interest which provide in
situ information via procedures that differ markedly from traditional analytical
laboratory approaches.
1 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry
Box 1.7
The regular tetrahedron of Fig. 1.12 can be distorted by pulling one, two or three of its
vertices.
Placing Analytical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry in this geometric model is very easy
(at the theory and analysis vertices, respectively). Organic and Inorganic Chemistry share the
synthesis vertex and other branches such as Chemical Engineering, Agricultural Chemistry,
Pharmaceutical Chemistry,etc, are at the applications vertex. However, such a stiff distribution
is not factual. The chem istry of today and tomorrow fits in the centres of the tetrahedron
edges, along which it can move in both directions. Th us, for a synthesis to be properly approached, the underlying theoretical principles must be known and the results of the analysis
of the raw materials, intermediates and end products available. Chemical Engineering relies
on synthetic developments and on analyses providing quality results.
Analysis rests on physico-chemical principles and on a wide variety of synthetic products
that are used as reagents or standards. However, it also provides solid support for synthesis
and applications, as well as for experimental testing of basic theories.
theoretical chemical support. The link to the application component is a
frequent source of confusion since, if Analytical Chemistry does not rely on its
intrinsic fundamentals, its applied facet prevails and the tetrahedron of Fig. 1.12
becomes a triangle: improperly approached, Analytical Chemistry is a mere
application of Chemistry.
I 1.4.6 Boundaries
Analytical Chemistry cannot be confined to the laboratory or library. To be
consistent with its definition, it must expand its traditional boundaries. This
anomalous situation has been promoted by a departure from its intrinsic
fundamentals. One modern approach to Analytical Chemistry is based on the
broad horizon depicted in Fig. 1.13.
Analytical Chemistry should establish effective links with the social and
economic areas that raise analytical problems in order to accurately identify the
type of information required at an early stage; in addition, it should take an
active role in ensuring that the information produced is properly and efficiently
used. As noted in the previous section, Analytical Chemistry should also relate
to other scientific and technical areas for their mutual benefit.
More specifically, analytical chemists should leave the laboratory if required
to undertake sampling operations, which are crucial with a view to ensuring
representativeness (a capital analytical property as shown in Chap. 2). When
needed, the analytical chemist should also design, implement and maintain
analytical systems such as industrial process analysers, environmental pollution
monitors or spacecraft analysers, which must inevitably operate outside the
laboratory. These are issues of increasing impact and interest which provide in
situ information via procedures that differ markedly from traditional analytical
laboratory approaches.