Resonance Rayleigh scattering for the determination of cationic surfactants with Eosin Y

Resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) of cationic surfactants–Eosin Y systems and their analytical application have been studied. In aqueous solution at pH 2～3, Eosin Y reacts with a monomer of cationic surfactants (CS), such as Zephiramine (Zeph), tetradecylpyridinium bromide (TPB), cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMAB), to form an ion associate and a new RRS spectrum appears. The spectral characteristics of the five ion associates are similar and their maximum scattering wavelengths (λ_max) are all at 313 nm. The intensity of RRS at λ_max of the ion associate is directly proportional to the concentration of CS in the range of 0～3.0 μg/25 mL. The technique has high sensitivity for the determination of CS; their detection limit is between 5.57 ng/mL and 7.60 ng/mL depending on the CS. In this case, most metal and non-metal ions, NH₄ ⁺ and some anionic surfactants do not interfere, so that the method has a good selectivity. It can be applied to the determination of trace amounts of cationic surfactants in water samples.