is a highly sensitive and precise electrochemical
analytical technique that can measure microgram quantities of
sulfur and chlorine in a
solvent. A minute quantity of solvent is combusted in a quartz pyrolysis
tube, and the combustion
products—typically carbon dioxide (CO2),
water, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and hydrogen
chloride (HCl)—flow to a titration cell. In the test for sulfur, the SO2
reacts with iodine in the cell, creating an electrical imbalance that is
detected by sensor electrodes. The iodine is then restored to its original
concentration by means of a current produced at generator electrodes by a
microcoulometer. The amount of current and time required to restore the
system to equilibrium is directly proportional to the amount of sulfur
present in the solvent sample. In the test for chlorine, the HCl reacts in
the titration cell with silver ions.