Alfusone
Metal Indicator
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Product codeA007 Alfusone
| Unit size | Price | Item Code |
|---|---|---|
| 25 g |
Introduction
Alfusone is a fluoride quantification reagent developed and trademarked by our company. It consists of an ALC-La complex and a buffer solution that have been mixed and powdered to ensure optimal measurement conditions for fluoride quantification simply by dissolving a specified amount in water. It is a purple powder, though its color may vary slightly depending on humidity.
In the presence of F⁻, the ALC-La complex forms a mixed-ligand complex and exhibits an absorption maximum around 620 nm. This reaction is specific to F⁻, making it an excellent method for F⁻ quantification. However, preparing the ALC-La complex from ALC is labor-intensive, and variations in preparation methods or pH adjustment can lead to inconsistencies in F⁻ measurement results. Alfusone is a premixed formulation in which the ALC-La complex is prepared, buffered to ensure the complex is stable at an optimal pH, and finely ground to enhance water solubility. Since the reagent solution can be prepared simply by dissolving it in water, enabling reproducible F⁻ measurements, it has been adopted in drinking water testing methods and many official standards (e.g., JIS K0101 for Industrial Water Testing, JIS K0102 for Industrial Wastewater Testing, and JIS K0105 for Analysis of Fluorine Compounds in Exhaust Gas).
Wada et al. applied Alfusone to flow injection analysis, rapidly analyzing 0.03–1.2 ppm F– at a rate of 24 samples per hour. The reaction solution was a 70% acetone solution, and the reaction coil was heated to 60°C.
Suitable ions
As a colorimetric reagent: F–
References
1) R. Greenhalgh and J. P. Riley, "The Determination of Fluorides in Natural Waters, with Particular Reference to Sea Water", Anal. Chim. Acta, 1961, 25, 179.
2) H. Wada, H. Mori and G. Nakagawa, "Spectrophotometric Determination of Fluoride with Lanthanum/Alizarin Complexone by Flow Injection Analysis", Anal. Chim. Acta, 1985, 172, 297.
3) A. Yuchi, H. Mori, H. Hotta, H. Wada and G. Nakagawa, "Equilibrium Study on the Characteristic Color-Changing Reaction of Lanthanum Complex of 3-[[Bis(Carboxymethyl)Amino]Methyl]-1,2-Dihydroxyanthraquinone(Alizarin Complexon) with Fluoride Ion", Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn., 1988, 61, 3889.
Q & A
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Q
Are ALC (Alizarin Complex) and Alfusone the same thing?
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A
That is incorrect.
Alfusone is a mixture of a lanthanum complex of ALC (alizarin complexon) and a buffer agent for pH adjustment.
Alfusone allows for the simple preparation of a lanthanum-alizarin complexon solution simply by dissolving it in water.Alizarin complexon is widely used as a reagent for fluoride analysis.
It is listed in JIS K0105 and JIS K0102 as a reagent for analyzing fluoride in wastewater and exhaust gases.
When analyzing fluoride, it is necessary to mix alizarin complex with lanthanum to prepare a “lanthanum-alizarin complex solution,” but
the procedure is cumbersome, and preparation is not easy.JIS K0105 states, “Commercially available lanthanum-alizarin complexon mixed reagents may be used,”
and JIS K0102 states, “Commercially available products may be used. When using commercially available Alflosson...”
Thus, even JIS standards specify that Alflosson may be used for the quantification of fluoride.
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Q
The Alfusone readings are inconsistent. What could be causing this?
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A
Please check the following items.
If the issue persists, please contact us.1) How is the calibration curve? As long as you can draw a straight line that passes through the origin, there is no quality issue whatsoever.
First, please create a calibration curve using standard solution F.2) When creating a calibration curve, you must measure the absorbance using a blank as a control.
A blank is a sample that has been color-developed without adding F.
Is this aspect in order?3) Please create a calibration curve using standard F approximately three times on the same day.
If there is no variation in the data, another cause may be considered.
*For example, the glassware or water being used could be factors.4) Is there any F contamination in the blank, i.e., the control sample?
If a negative value appears, please investigate this possibility.6) When measuring F at low concentrations, you may try preparing the solution by adjusting the Alfusone concentration.
The standard concentration is typically 2.5 g/50 mL.
Additionally, according to JIS K 0102, the quantification range is 4–50 μg F/50 mL (as the final volume upon color development).
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Q
It’s been a while since I bought and opened the Alfuson, but the powder has turned a deep purple color.
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A
This product is originally a light purple powder, but it turns a deep purple when it absorbs moisture.
While this usually does not interfere with measurements, if you notice any issues when plotting a calibration curve
(such as the curve plateauing), it is best to replace the product with a new one.Generally, as long as the container is kept tightly closed and stored at room temperature, the product will hardly discolor at all.
Handling and storage condition
| Appearance： | Purple powder |
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| Solubility in water： | To pass test (clear, deep red or deep reddish purple) |
| pH(25°C)： | 5.0 - 5.3 |
| Sensitivity： | To pass test |
| Ambient temperature | |
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Danger / harmful symbol mark |
 
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