Experimentos simples usando fotometria de chama para ensino de princípios de espectrometria atômica em cursos de química analítica

The purpose of this paper is the development of simple strategies to teach basic concepts of atomic spectrometry. Metals present in samples found in the daily lives of students are determined by flame atomic emission spectrometry (FAES). FAES is an accurate, precise, and inexpensive analytical method often used for determining sodium, potassium, lithium, and calcium. Historical aspects and their contextualization for students are also presented and experiments with samples that do not require pre-treatment are described.

Validação de modelos de calibração multivariada: uma aplicação na determinação de pureza polimórfica de carbamazepina por espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo

The application of analytical procedures based on multivariate calibration models has been limited in several areas due to requirements of validation and certification of the model. Procedures for validation are presented based on the determination of figures of merit, such as precision (mean, repeatability, intermediate), accuracy, sensitivity, analytical sensitivity, selectivity, signal-to-noise ratio and confidence intervals for PLS models. An example is discussed of a model for polymorphic purity control of carbamazepine by NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results show that multivariate calibration models can be validated to fulfill the requirements imposed by industry and standardization agencies.

A evolução da balança analítica

This work intends to describe the historical evolution of the balance based on its technical improvement. This instrument has always been used for commercial and industrial purposes, but its value in research and chemistry was only recognized much later. The classical balance was the two-pan model for about 40 centuries, but when its importance in chemistry was established, particularly beginning at the end of the XVIIIth century, many improvements were made in order to increase sensitivity and shorten the weighing procedure. The balance design greatly changed along the XXth century: the classical two-pan models were replaced by one-pan balances that were replaced by electronic instruments.

Análise de imagem em química analítica: empregando metodologias simples e didáticas para entender e prevenir o escurecimento de tecidos vegetais

A simple and didactic experiment was developed for image monitoring of the browning of fruit tissues caused by the enzyme polyphenol oxidase. The procedure, easy and inexpensive, is a valuable tool to teach and demonstrate the redox reaction between the enzyme and the natural polyphenols. To obtain the browning percentage for apple, pear and banana, digital photographs were employed, and the images were analyzed by means of Monte Carlo methods and digital analysis programs. The effects of several experimental conditions were studied, such as pH, light, temperature and the presence of oxygen or anti-oxidants. It was observed that each fruit presented a different condition that better minimized the oxidation process. The absence of oxygen and the application of a bissulphite solution were sufficient to keep the quality of all fruits tested.

Polímeros biomiméticos em química analítica. Parte 1: preparo e aplicações de MIP ("Molecularly Imprinted Polymers") em técnicas de extração e separação

MIPs are synthetic polymers that are used as biomimetic materials simulating the mechanism verified in natural entities such as antibodies and enzymes. Although MIPs have been successfully used as an outstanding tool for enhancing the selectivity or different analytical approaches, such as separation science and electrochemical and optical sensors, several parameters must be optimized during their synthesis. Therefore, the state-of-the-art of MIP production as well as the different polymerization methods are discussed. The potential selectivity of MIPs in the extraction and separation techniques focusing mainly on environmental, clinical and pharmaceutical samples as applications for analytical purposes is presented.

Polímeros biomiméticos em química analítica. Parte 2: aplicações de MIP ("Molecularly Imprinted Polymers") no desenvolvimento de sensores químicos

The aim of this paper is the description of the strategies and advances in the use of MIP in the development of chemical sensors. MIP has been considered an emerging technology, which allows the synthesis of materials that can mimic some highly specific natural receptors such as antibodies and enzymes. In recent years a great number of publications have demonstrated a growth in their use as sensing phases in the construction of sensors . Thus, the MIP technology became very attractive as a promising analytical tool for the development of sensors.

Desafios da química analítica frente às necessidades da indústria farmacêutica

The development of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric (LC-MS) techniques in the last few decades has made possible the analysis of trace amounts of analytes from complex matrices. With LC, the analytes of interest can be separated from each other as well as from the interfering matrix, after which they can be reliably identified thanks to the sensitivity and specificity of MS. LC-MS has become an irreplaceable tool for many applications, ranging from the analysis of proteins or pharmaceuticals in biological fluids to the analysis of toxic substances in environmental samples. In different segments of Brazilian Industry mass spectrometry has an important role, e.g. in the pharmaceutical industry in the development of generic formulations, contributing to the growth of Industry and social inclusion. However, the Brazilian chemists until this moment don't have an effective role in this new segment of the analytical chemistry in Brazil. The present paper shows the actual scenario for mass spectrometry in the pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing the need of a revision of graduation courses to attend the needs of this growing market.

A importância da Química Analítica Qualitativa nos cursos de Química das instituições de ensino superior brasileiras

The results of a survey of institutions offering undergraduate studies, with the objective of evaluating the importance of Qualitative Analytical Chemistry for Chemistry courses in Brazil, are presented and discussed. Judging by the data, the content of the course of Qualitative Analytical Chemistry is considered by the Brazilian institutions offering undergraduate studies to be a body of knowledge essential for the formation of the chemist. This aspect is deemed valid for both baccalaureate and teaching license studies.

Fluidos supercríticos em química analítica. III.: aplicações

The first two papers in this series described the basic theory involved in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), how the technique evolved from gas and liquid chromatography and how the instrumentation was developed. Over the last two years, a commercial, dedicated packed-column SFC/MS instrument appeared on the market. The SFC continues to grow in use, with fundamental developments, coupled with a steady rise in the number of industrial users and applications.

Metodologia analítica para determinação de folatos e ácido fólico em alimentos

The aim of this work was to develop and to validate a methodology using HPLC for the simultaneous determination of folates and folic acid in foods. The limits of detection and the recovery rates for the vitamins in the certified reference materials were respectively 5 pg/mL and 94-108% for 5-MTHF, 7 pg/mL and 97-102% for THF, 30 pg/mL and 97.9-104% for 5-FTHF, 30 pg/mL and 95-107 for 10-FFA, 5 ng/mL and 97-102% for FA and 5 ng/mL and 98-103% for 10-MFA. Repeatability showed a coefficient of variation below 3.9% for all the vitamins. The proposed methodology was shown to be efficient when applied to different certified reference materials, namely pig's liver (BCR487), powdered milk (BCR421) and a vegetable mixture (BCR485).

Alquilbenzeno sulfonato linear: uma abordagem ambiental e analítica

The environmental impact of detergents and other consumer products is behind the continued interest in the chemistry of the surfactants used. Of these, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LASs) are most widely employed in detergent formulations. The precursors to LASs are linear alkylbenzenes (LABs). There is also interest in the chemistry of these hydrocarbons, because they are usually present in commercial LASs (due to incomplete sulfonation), or form as one of their degradation products. Additionally, they may be employed as molecular tracers of domestic waste in the aquatic environment. The following aspects are covered in the present review: The chemistry of surfactants, in particular LAS; environmental impact of the production of LAS; environmental and toxicological effects of LAS; mechanisms of removal of LAS in the environment, and methods for monitoring LAS and LAB, the latter in domestic wastes. Classical and novel analytical methods employed for the determination of LAS and LAB are discussed in detail, and a brief comment on detergents in Brazil is given.

Aplicações de nanoeletrodos como sensores na Química Analítica

Nanomaterials make up an emerging area in Chemistry and in the science of materials. This area constitutes the development of methods for synthesizing nanoscopic particles of a given material used for scientific investigation. Nanomaterials have a wide range of commercial possibilities and technological applications, including their use in analytical chemistry, as well as in electronics, optics, engineering, medicine, devices for liberation of drugs, bioencapsulation, among others. This paper presents a summary about nanoelectrodes, devices built from nanoparticles, which show great potential as electrochemical tools in many different types of analysis. The purpose of this paper is to review the construction methodologies of nanoelectrodes, and to point out their successful applicability in the various fields of immune assays and other analytical procedures with quantitative purposes.

Química Analítica de Processos

Process Analytical Chemistry (PAC) is an important and growing area in analytical chemistry, that has received little attention in academic centers devoted to the gathering of knowledge and to optimization of chemical processes. PAC is an area devoted to optimization and knowledge acquisition of chemical processes, to reducing costs and wastes and to making an important contribution to sustainable development. The main aim of this review is to present to the Brazilian community the development and state of the art of PAC, discussing concepts, analytical techniques currently employed in the industry and some applications.

Uma proposta para o ensino da Química Analítica Qualitativa

In recent years, because of the need for a more flexible curriculum established by the Curriculum Guidelines of the National Brazilian Education (law 9394/96), the pedagogical project of the Chemistry course of FFCLRP/USP has undergone alterations, amongst them the gradual reduction of the hours devoted to the discipline Qualitative Analytical Chemistry. In this context, this discipline has been carefully analyzed and reorganized in order to allow the elimination of redundancies and the introduction of activities considered important for the professional formation of both chemists and chemistry teachers. In this work, we will discuss the main strategies adopted in this reorganization with the objective of making the teaching/learning process more dynamic and efficient.