Communication. Novel methods for derivatization of mercury(II) and methylmercury(II) compounds for analysis

Two novel and convenient methods for obtaining volatile mercury and methylmercury species for analysis that allows non-volatile analyte solutions to be identified by element-specific and species-selective techniques are described. Non-volatile aqueous solutions of mercury(II) and/or methylmercury(II) compounds are converted into volatile forms (including hydrides) using NaBH4 or LiB(C2H5)3H, followed by chromatographic separation. The volatile derivatives separated on a column are detected by atomic absorption spectrometry or mass spectrometry.