What is compound formation interference in flame photometry?

Compound formation is a type of interference that occurs due to the elevated temperatures present in the flame.

The threshold for some reaction's activation energies can be reached, due to the influx of energy from combustion.

It can then suppress the emissions of the analytes of interest during determinations of ionic concentrations.

Is it difficult to pick up compound formation interference in flame photometry?

Picking up on this type of interference can be difficult and sometimes can go unnoticed. It can be overlooked in the planning of the experimental process.

This is due to an interferant being present only when the sample is introduced to the flame of the photometer.

An interferant is a compound in a sample that produces readings which overlap those of the analyte, making analysis more difficult.