What is masking and demasking agents in analytical chemistry?

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Detailed Solution

Masking agents are chemicals that prevent certain ions from interfering in chemical analysis, while demasking agents are chemicals that release those ions again for detection.

Masking Agents

A masking agent reacts with an interfering ion to make it inactive so that it does not affect the main analysis. For example, CN^- ions mask Fe³⁺ during titration.

Demasking Agents

A demasking agent removes or destroys the effect of a masking agent so the ion can be measured. For example, formaldehyde can demask certain complexes to release ions for detection.

Examples

Agent	Function	Example
Masking agent	Prevents interference	EDTA masking Ca²⁺ ions
Demasking agent	Releases masked ion	Formaldehyde removing CN^- effect

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