Recent advances in analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry for organic selenium and tellurium compounds

The objective of this chapter is to present the recent developments in mass spectrometry for selenium (Se) and tellurium (Te) analysis. The state-of-the-art of mass spectrometry based techniques available is critically evaluated with particular emphasis in ion sources and mass analyzers. The complexity of identification and characterization of Se, Te species including their speciation in the environment or in biological materials requires methodologies not only limited to mass spectrometry. Particular attention is given to sample preparation and hyphenated techniques with mass spectrometry for a comprehensive characterization of these trace elements. All these aspects are illustrated with up-to-date applications from the literature. Finally, future trends in mass spectrometry give the readers new insights in Se and Te species detection.