A Case of Unexpected Instability: Sulfur Analysis
Introduction to Sulfur Analysis
Sulfur analysis is a routine endeavor for many analytical chemists. Sulfur is the tenth most abundant element in the universe and the fifth most abundant on earth. Due to its prevalence, naturally occurring sulfur is often quantified in water, soil, and mineral samples. Beyond environmental occurrence, sulfur content is also often controlled for in food, pharmaceutical, and biological samples. Sulfur is a popular component of many consumer products as well, including cement, pesticides, fertilizer, rubber, bleached paper, and even car batteries!
Challenges with Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄) as a Source
A popular approach to sulfur certified reference materials is to use sulfuric acid (H2SO