Sulfur (S) Determination by Schoniger Combustion (Oxygen Flask Combustion Method) (CAT#: STEM-EA-0003-ZJF)

The Schoniger combustion (also known as the oxygen flask combustion method) is a method of elemental analysis first developed by Wolfgang Schoniger in 1955.
The test is conducted in an Erlenmeyer flask or a separatory funnel. A sample is burned in pure oxygen, and then the combustion products are absorbed by sodium hydroxide solution. According to its definition, the oxygen flask combustion method is useful for identifying or determining whether sulphur or halogens are produced when organic compounds are burned. Compounds like these contain iodine, fluorine, bromine, chlorine, or sulphur in a flask containing oxygen. Combustion of these compounds produces inorganic products that are soluble in water. As a result of this process, the inorganic materials produced are determined to be bound for each element. Extreme care should be taken when performing the test. Any organic solvent must be completely removed from the flask before use.

Geological, agronomy, petrochemistry, environmental, food authenticity, forensic, etc.

1. Upon receiving the solid sample, it is weighed into ashless paper and placed into a platinum stopper that has been custom made.
2. An appropriate flask containing reactants and oxygen is fitted with a stopper. The sulfur present in SO2 is oxidized to SO3 during combustion.
3. Afterwards, the liquid is removed and titrated. An indicator indicates a change in color from gold to pink.

• Oxygen flask combustion apparatus
• Sample material

1. Sulfur on air-sensitive samples cannot be determined due to the exclusive use of flask combustion in the determination of sulfur.
2. Phosphorus, Selenium, Iodine, and Copper have shown some interference, resulting in lower results. Due to the accuracy of the results, we cannot perform an analysis if these elements are present.