Analyte

In analytical chemistry, an analyte is a component (element, compound or ion) of analytical interest in a sample that is separated from the Matrix (chemical analysis). It is a chemical species whose presence or content is desired to be known, identifiable and quantifiable, through a chemical measurement process.

In chemical metrology it constitutes a particular type of measurand, which is a magnitude, the quantity of the object of measurement; that is, the concentration of analyte, the portion that is subjected to quantification, after comparison with a pattern that provides the required information.

Together with the intangible elements, the analyte and the measurate are necessary for the definition and solution of the analytical problem. Intangible elements require design planning, their evolution and correction.

The information obtained from the analyte sample can be:

• Qualitative. If there is analyte in a certain amount in the sample.
• Quantitative. The proportion of the substance.
• Structure

The analyte determined in a sample can be inorganic, organic or biochemical in nature. According to its concentration in it, it is classified as a macro component (more than 1%), micro component (between 0.01% and 0.1%) or traces (less than 0.01%).

In order to carry out the chemical analysis of the sample, different procedures can be used, such as the electroanalytical method or the spectrometric methods.