Selective Cloud Point Extraction and Preconcentration of Copper by the Use of Dithizone as a Complexing Agent

The aim ofthis work was to develop a selective cloudpoint extraction methodfor theseparation andpreconcentration ofcopper(ii) prior to spectrophotometric determination. for thispurpose dithizone was used as a complexing agent and the experimental solution was acidified withsulfuric acid. triton x-114 was used as a surfactant and after phase separation, based on the cloudpoint of the mixture, the rich phase was diduted with tetrahydrofuran (thf) and the enrichedanalyte determined by spectrophotometric analysis. the chemical and thermodynamic variablesaffecting the complexation andphase separation were optimized. calibration plot ofabsorbance vs.concentration was linear within the range of 15-250 ng ml cur ii ) the limit ofdetection being4.6 ng mr'. the proposed procedure was successfully applied to the determination of copper inliver samples