The use of Fourier functions to eliminate interferences in spectrophotometric analysis (theory and application).

The basic principle for the use of Fourier functions in spectrophotometric analysis is discussed. Fourier function coefficients are linearly related to concentration and are associated with relative standard deviations of less than 1%. The proper choice of function and range, number of points and the transformation of an absorption curve are discussed. New trigonometric functions are derived to correct for linear irrelevant absorption. The method is illustrated by the determination of progesterone and testosterone propionate in oily solutions without prior chromatography. The results obtained are compared with those obtained using orthogonal polynomials.