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3269617 
Journal Article 
Shpol'skii spectrometry, a distinct method in environmental analysis 
Gooijer, C; Kozin, I; Velthorst, NH 
1997 
1 
Microchimica Acta
ISSN: 0026-3672
EISSN: 1436-5073 
127 
3-4 
149-182 
WOS:A1997XX83400002 
Whereas common fluorescence and phosphorescence spectra of organic molecules in solutions show little details, Shpol'skii spectra exhibit completely resolved vibronic transitions, enabling the analytical distinction between isomeric compounds. In a simplified qualification, the Shpol'skii technique combines the sensitivity inherent to luminescence spectroscopy with the selectivity of infrared spectra. There are however two main limitations as far as its applicability is concerned: (i) cryogenic temperature conditions are required and (ii) the analytes should be compatible with the solvent matrix, typically a n-alkane.



The present paper is focused on the potential and achievements of Shpol'skii spectrometry in environmental analysis. After a discussion of the fundamental aspects of spectral line-broadenings and the approaches to accomplish high-resolution, special attention is paid to experimental and instrumental aspects. Recent instrumental developments have made Shpol'skii spectroscopy not only attractive for qualitative but also for quantitative purposes.



The main part of the review is devoted to recent applications, for instance the determination of parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in complex environmental samples as crude oils, sediments, soils and biota. The special features of large PAHs, i.e. PAHs with seven or more hexagonal aromatic rings are considered separately. The analysis of PAH-metabolites in samples like fish bile and human urine is extensively discussed. Subsequently the applicability of Shpol'skii spectroscopy to both in-ring and at-ring substituted polycyclic aromatics is concerned, including amino-and nitro-substituted PAHs and nitrogen-, oxygen- and sulphur-heterocyclic com pounds. The review ends with an interesting new development i.e. the Shpol'skii spectra of fullerenes, the soccerball and rugbyball shaped molecules C-60 and C-70, compounds receiving wide attention in physics and chemistry. 
luminescence; PAH; line-broadening; high resolution; matrix isolation; fullerenes