Which types of volatiles are commonly analyzed in analytical chemistry?

The choice highlighting organic and inorganic volatiles as commonly analyzed in analytical chemistry is accurate because analytical chemistry often focuses on a wide range of substances, including those that are both naturally occurring and artificially synthesized. Organic volatiles are compounds that contain carbon and are typically characterized by their ability to evaporate at room temperature. Common examples include solvents, fuels, and a variety of fragrances. In contrast, inorganic volatiles can include gases such as ammonia, chlorine, and carbon dioxide.

The significance of analyzing both organic and inorganic volatiles lies in their relevance across various applications, such as environmental monitoring, food safety, and industrial processes. Understanding the presence and concentration of these compounds can provide insights into pollution levels, product quality, and chemical reactions in both natural and industrial settings.

Other choices do not comprehensively capture the range of volatiles commonly analyzed. For instance, focusing solely on radioactive volatiles limits the scope and is not representative of most analytical practices. Similarly, although synthetic volatiles may be important, limiting the discussion to them excludes a significant portion of organic compounds that occur naturally. Aqueous volatiles are not a recognized category in the same way that gaseous volatiles are, further limiting that option.