Other chemical vapor generation techniques

Chemical vapor generation (CVG) methods for trace-element analysis which are based on derivatization chemistries different from those involving aqueous boranes and alkylating agents are reviewed and discussed. These include the formation of metal chelates, an earlier methodology developed for the determination of metals by gas chromatography, volatile oxides and halides, metal carbonyls, and volatile esters (applied only to boron). Derivatization reactions and apparatus adopted for CVG, as well as the processes governing generation, transport, and detection of these volatile derivatives are presented. The discussion, which is not intended to be exhaustive, also provides insight into the historical development of these alternative CVG techniques.