Determination of iodide and bromide by ion chromatography with post-column reaction detection

During an investigation into the mechanism of the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones, it became necessary to determine traces of iodide and bromide in biological matrices as well as in food. A vydac 302-IC anion-exchange column with methanesulphonic acid as the mobile phase was used for the ion chromatographic separation of iodide and bromide. A post-column reaction detector was developed based on the reaction between iodide or bromide, chloramine-T and 4,4'-bis(dimethylamino)diphenylmethane. Methods with minimal sample preparation are described for determination of iodide or bromide in serum, milk, salt and water. The detection limit is ca. 20 pg iodide and 15 ng bromide injected.