A technique for Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) sample introduction Is presented by which certain metals are converted to volatile /3-dlketonales and the resulting metal-chelate vapor Is carried by argon Into a stabilized Inductively coupled argon plasma. The feasibility of directly reacting /3-diketone ligands and certain metals with minimal sample preparation Is discussed with qualitative data supporting the direct chelation reaction of Fe, Zn, Co, Mn, and Cr In various matrices (l.e., pure metal, National Bureau of Standards (NBS) bovine liver, human blood serum). Quantitative data for the determinations of Fe, Zn, and Cr In bovine liver and In blood serum are presented and compared with values obtained by alternative analytical methods. Advantages and limitations of this technique over existing means of ICP sample introduction are discussed.