AN55: Determination of Metal Cyanides

Instrument Type: IC

Transition metal cyanides typically exist in solution as the anionic cyanometallates, M (CN)x^n-. Since these complexes are very stable (formation constants being as high as 10^35 for Fe (CN)6^4-), they may be separated by anion exchange chromatography. Cyano complexes of most of the transition metals absorb low-wavelength ultraviolet light, making detection at 215 nm a convenient method of determination. Also refer to AN161 and AU147 for an updated method.