Cyanide ion colorimetric chemosensor based on protonated merocyanine in EtOH

This Letter aimed to develop an efficient method for the determination of cyanide ion (CN⁻). A novel colorimetric chemosensor 4-[(1E)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethenyl]-1-allylpyridinium bromide (HPEAPB) was synthesized. HPEAPB displayed good selectivity toward CN⁻ over other competing anions in ethanol. A color change from yellow to red was immediately observed upon the addition of CN⁻ and the limit of detection (LOD) was 3.4 × 10⁻⁶ mol L⁻¹. The sensing mechanism was discussed by UV–vis, ¹H NMR titration, and a comparison study. Colorimetric test paper for CN⁻ was prepared by attaching HPEAPB to a chromatography paper, which could be used to detect CN⁻ in environmental samples as simply as a pH-indicator paper for pH value. The LOD of the test paper for CN⁻ was 2.0 × 10⁻⁴ mol L⁻¹. This detection method for CN⁻ has potential applications in cyanide ion containing fields by combination of rapid and real-time advantages.     

Selective fluorescence sensing of cyanide with an o-(carboxamido)trifluoroacetophenone fused with a cyano-1,2-diphenylethylene fluorophore

A novel fluorescence probe has been synthesized, which consists of o-(carboxamido)trifluoroacetophenone moiety as the recognition element and cyano-1,2-diphenylethylene moiety as the signaling unit. Fluorescence titrations of the probe with anions such as F⁻, Cl⁻, I⁻, CN⁻, SCN⁻, AcO⁻, , , and as their Bu₄N⁺ salts in acetonitrile show that CN⁻ is the most efficient quencher, AcO⁻ and F⁻ follow it, and other anions show little changes. In an aqueous medium, MeOH-water (9:1), the probe shows fluorescence quenching only toward cyanide and no changes toward the other anions.     

Rapid colorimetric sensing of cyanide anion in aqueous media with a spiropyran derivative containing a dinitrophenolate moiety

A spiropyran derivative containing a dinitrophenolate moiety (2: 1′,3′,3′-trimethyl-6,8-dinitro-spiro-[2H-1-benzopyran-2,2′-indoline]) behaves as a receptor for selective detection of cyanide anion (CN⁻) in aqueous media. Compound 2, when dissolved in aqueous media, spontaneously produces the spirocycle-opened merocyanine (MC) form even in dark condition. The absorption band of the MC form decreases selectively upon addition of CN⁻, via a nucleophilic addition of CN⁻ to the spirocarbon of the MC form. The nucleophilic addition occurs very rapidly (within 1 min) and enables rapid and selective quantification of very low levels of CN⁻ (>0.8 μM) by an absorption analysis.     

Colorimetric response of spiropyran derivative for anions in aqueous or organic media

We previously found that a simple spiropyran derivative (1:1′,3′,3′-trimethyl-6-nitro-spiro-[2H-1-benzopyran-2,2′-indoline]) behaves as a selective and sensitive cyanide anion (CN⁻) receptor in aqueous media under UV irradiation¹³. The receptor, when irradiated by UV light in a water/MeCN mixture, creates a CN⁻-selective absorption band via a nucleophilic addition of CN⁻ to 1 (formation of the 1-CN⁻ species) and allows quantitative determination of very low levels of CN⁻. In the present work, effects of pH and water content on the response of 1 to anions were studied to clarify the detailed properties of 1. In aqueous media, 1 reacts selectively with CN⁻regardless of pH and water content, but the reaction is suppressed by a decrease in pH and an increase in water content due to the protonation of CN⁻. In contrast, in pure MeCN, addition of F⁻ also creates a new absorption band, as does CN⁻. This is promoted via a nucleophilic interaction between 1 and F⁻ in a 1:2 stoichiometry (formation of the 1-2F⁻ species). The 1-CN⁻ and 1-2F⁻ species have different photochemical properties; the 1-CN⁻ species is stable upon UV irradiation, while the UV irradiation of the 1-2F⁻ species leads to a decomposition of the spiropyran platform.     

Determination of cyanide, in urine and gastric content, by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry after direct flow injection of dicyanogold

A rapid and sensitive electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric (ESI-MS-MS) procedure was developed for the determination of cyanide (CN⁻). CN⁻ in biological fluids was reacted with NaAuCl₄ to produce dicyanogold, Au(CN)₂⁻, which was extracted with methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). One microliter of the extract was injected directly into an ESI-MS-MS instrument. Quantification of CN⁻ was performed by selected reaction monitoring of the product ion CN⁻ at m/z 26 that derived from precursor ion Au(CN)₂⁻ at m/z 249. CN⁻ could be measured in the quantification range of 10⁻⁷ to 5 × 10⁻⁵ M with the limit of detection at 4 × 10⁻⁸ M using 10 μL of urine within 10 min. A victim's urine and gastric content were diluted with water to 4-fold and 500-fold and measured, respectively.     

Anion receptors based on ureido-thiacalix[4]arenes

The regioselective ipso-nitration of tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene-tetrasulfone was used for the construction of thiacalixarene derivatives bearing one or two arylureido functions on the upper rim. The preorganization of ureido units using the thiacalix[4]arene moiety as a molecular scaffold leads to novel anion receptors with good complexation ability toward selected anions of various geometry (halides, carboxylates, HSO₄⁻, H₂PO₄⁻, NO₃⁻, CN⁻) in organic solvents.     

A novel dichromate-sensitive fluorescent nano-chemosensor using new functionalized SBA-15

A novel fluorescence nano-chemosensor for Cr₂O₇²⁻ anion has been developed by assembly of fluorescent aluminum complex of 8-hydroxyquinoline (AlQ_x) within the channels of modified SBA-15. SBA-SPS-AlQ_x shows a fluorescence emission at 486 nm. The observed remarkable fluorescence of SBA-SPS-AlQ_x quenches in presence of Cr₂O₇²⁻ anion. The results showed that this fluorescent nano-material can be a useful chemo-sensor for determination of dichromate anions in aqueous solutions. The linear detecting range of fluorescent nano-chemosensor for Cr₂O₇²⁻ anion was 0.16–2.9 μmol L⁻¹. The lowest limit of detection (LDL) was also found to be 0.2 ng mL⁻¹ in aqueous solutions. SBA-SPS-AlQ_x showed selectively and sensitively fluorescent quenching response toward Cr₂O₇²⁻ ion in comparison with I₃⁻, NO₃⁻, CN⁻, CO₃²⁻, Br⁻, Cl⁻, F⁻, H₂PO₄⁻ and SO₄²⁻ ions, which was because of the higher stability of its inorganic complex with dichromate ion.     

A new generation of cyanide ion-selective membranes for flow injection application: part II. Comparative study of cyanide flow-injection detectors based on thin electroplated silver chalcogenide membranes

Using induced cathodic electrodeposition a number of silver chalcogenide thin layer membranes of non-trivial composition have been synthesized and their performance as ion-selective flow-injection potentiometric detectors (FIPDs) for free cyanide has been critically estimated in the context of the stringent requirements for toxic cyanide environmental monitoring. AgSCN/Ag₂S, Ag₂S, Ag_2+δSe, Ag_2+δSe_1−xTe_x (0 < δ < 0.25 and x ≈ 0.13), Ag₂Se and Ag₂Se_1−xTe_x electroplated membranes were selected for the present performance-based comparative study in order to obtain a feedback information about the effect of membrane composition. Both silver selenide and Te-doped silver selenide membranes, irrespective of their stoichiometry with respect to silver, exhibit the lowest detection limit for CN⁻ (52 ppb) with linear double-Nernstian response down to 130 ppb. The type of chalcogene anion in the membrane composition proves to exert dominant effect on the general performance characteristics of the newly developed FIPDs. The silver stoichiometry (intrinsic defects factor) and the inclusion of Te-dopant (extrinsic defects factor) have more pronounced effect on the profile of the output signal and exert moderate control on the detectors selectivity and baseline stability. This new generation of CN⁻—ion-selective membranes for FIPDs exhibits high selectivity against the common interferents present in cyanide effluents such as SCN⁻, S₂O₃²⁻, Cl⁻ and do not get poisoned in the presence of S²⁻. Moreover, their long-term stability and signal reproducibility, which make redundant the regular day-to-day calibration, coupled with the cost-effective technology for membranes preparation and easy re-generation make them attractive candidates for incorporation into automated in-field devices for in situ cyanide toxic species monitoring.     

Tri- and diorganostannates containing 2-(N,N-dimethylaminomethyl)phenyl ligand

The C,N-chelated tri and diorganotin(IV) chlorides react with both protic mineral acids and carboxylic acids. The nitrogen atom of the L^CN ligand (where L^CN is 2-(dimethylaminomethyl)phenyl) is thus quarternized - protonated and new Sn-X bond (X = Cl, Br, I or the remainder of the starting acid used) is simultaneously formed. The set of zwitterionic tri and diorganostannates containing protonated 2-(dimethylaminomethyl)phenyl-moiety was prepared and structurally characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and XRD techniques. In all these cases, the intramolecular N-H?X bond is present in the molecule. Despite the central tin atom remains five-coordinated (except for the [HL^CNH]⁺[(n-Bu)₂SnCl(NO₃)₂]⁻) and reveals a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry, the ¹¹⁹Sn NMR chemical shift values of these zwitterionic stannates are somewhat shifted to the higher field than corresponding starting C,N-chelated tri and diorganotin(IV) halides. Reactions of C,N-chelated organotin(IV) halides with various Lewis acids are also discussed.     

Fluorescence intensity and lifetime-based cyanide sensitive probes for physiological safeguard

We characterize six new fluorescent probes that show both intensity and lifetime changes in the presence of free uncomplexed aqueous cyanide, allowing for fluorescence based cyanide sensing up to physiological safeguard levels, i.e. <30 μM. One of the probes, m-BMQBA, shows a ≈15-fold reduction in intensity and a ≈10% change in mean lifetime at this level.The response of the new probes is based on their ability to bind the cyanide anion through a boronic acid functional group, changing from the neutral form of the boronic acid group R-B(OH)₂ to the anionic R-B⁻(CN)₃ form, a new cyanide binding mechanism which we have recently reported. The presence of an electron deficient quaternary heterocyclic nitrogen nucleus, and the electron rich cyanide bound form, provides for the intensity changes observed. We have determined the disassociation constants of the probes to be in the range ≈15-84 μM³. In addition we have synthesized control compounds which do not contain the boronic acid moiety, allowing for a rationale of the cyanide responses between the probe isomers to be made.The lifetime of the cyanide bound probes are significantly shorter than the free R-B(OH)₂ probe forms, providing for the opportunity of lifetime based cyanide sensing up to physiologically lethal levels.Finally, while fluorescent probes containing the boronic acid moiety have earned a well-deserved reputation for monosaccharide sensing, we show that strong bases such as CN⁻ and OH⁻ preferentially bind as compared to glucose, enabling the potential use of these probes for cyanide safeguard and determination in physiological fluids, especially given that physiologies do not experience any notable changes in pH.     

The differences in solid state structures of C,N-chelated nbutyltin(IV) fluorides

The solid state structures of products of fluorination of L^CNnBuSnCl₂ (where L^CN is 2-[(CH₃)₂NCH₂]C₆H₄-) by different methods are reported. The reaction of 3 equiv. of [NH₄]⁺[L^CNnBuSnF₃]⁻ and Pr(OTf)₃ led to dimeric arrangement [L^CNnBuSnF(μ-F)₂SnL^CNnBuF] · 2HOTf. Two different polymorphs of polymeric [L^CNnBuSnF₂]_n have been obtained by crystallization. Prepared compounds were studied by X-ray crystallographic methods, DSC and theoretical calculations at the B3LYP/LANL2DZ level.     

An azo dye-coupled tripodal chromogenic sensor for cyanide

A tripodal receptor bearing phenol as a hydrogen bond donor site and azo dye as the signaling subunit was synthesized. The receptor had a high binding affinity for CN⁻ as signaled by the change in the color of a solution of sensor 4 upon addition of CN⁻. Using UV-Vis spectroscopy, the system can be used to quantify 0-19 × 10⁻⁵ mol L⁻¹ of CN⁻, and the sensor was found to successfully function in the presence of other anions.     

Synthesis, properties, and oxidizing function of 6-substituted 7,9-dimethylcyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]pyrrole-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates

Uracil-annulated heteroazulenes, 6-substituted 7,9-dimethylcyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]pyrrole-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates 7a,b·BF₄⁻, which are the isoelectronic compounds of 5-dezazaflavin, were synthesized. X-Ray crystal analysis and MO calculations were carried out to clarify the structural characteristics of 7a,b·BF₄⁻. The stability of cations 7a,b is expressed by the pK_R+ values which were determined spectrophotometrically to be 10.9 and 11.2, respectively. The electrochemical reduction of 7a,b exhibited high reduction potentials at −0.84 and −0.87 (V vs Ag/AgNO₃) upon cyclic voltammetry (CV). A good linear correlation between the pK_R+ values and reduction potentials (E1_red) of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ and reference compounds 4·BF₄⁻ and 5·BF₄⁻ was obtained. In a search of the reactivity, reactions of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ with some nucleophiles, hydride and diethylamine, were carried out to clarify that the introduction of nucleophiles to give regio-isomers is dependent on the nucleophile. The photo-induced oxidation reactions of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ toward some alcohols under aerobic conditions were carried out to give the corresponding carbonyl compounds in more than 100% yield [based on compounds 7a,b·BF₄⁻], suggesting the oxidizing function of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ toward alcohols in the autorecycling process.     

Novel synthesis and properties of 7,9-dimethylcyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]thiophen-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborate: autorecycling oxidation of some alcohols under photo-irradiation

Three-step reactions starting from 2-chlorotropone with dimethylthiobarbituric acid afforded 7,9-dimethylcyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]thiophen-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborate 5·BF₄⁻, which is the isoelectronic compound of the 5-ethyl-3-methyllumiflavinium ion. The X-ray crystal analysis and MO calculation were carried out to clarify the structural characteristics of 5·BF₄⁻. The stability of cation 5 is expressed by the pK_R+ value, which was determined spectrophotometrically as 5.1. The electrochemical reduction of 5 exhibited low reduction potential at −0.53 (V vs Ag/AgNO₃), upon cyclic voltammetry (CV). In a search for the reactivity, reactions of 5·BF₄⁻ with some nucleophiles, hydride, diethylamine, thiols, and methanol, were carried out, which revealed that the introduction of nucleophiles to give regio-isomers is dependent on the nucleophile. The photo-induced oxidation reactions of 5·BF₄⁻ toward some alcohols under aerobic conditions were carried out to give the corresponding carbonyl compounds in more than 100% yield [based on compound 5·BF₄⁻], suggesting the oxidizing function of 5·BF₄⁻ toward alcohols in the autorecycling process. The UV-vis and fluorescence spectra of 5 were studied to suggest the electron transfer from alcohols to the excited 5.     

Absorption and emission behaviour of trans-p-coumaric acid in aqueous solutions and some organic solvents

The absorption and fluorescence behaviour of trans-p-coumaric acid (trans-4-hydroxycinnamic acid) is investigated in buffered aqueous solution over a wide range from pH 1 to pH 12, in un-buffered water, and in some organic solvents. Absorption cross-section spectra, fluorescence quantum distributions, fluorescence quantum yields, and degrees of fluorescence polarisation are measured. p-Coumaric acid exists in different ionic forms in aqueous solution depending on the pH. There is an equilibrium between the neutral form (p-CAH₂) and the single anionic form (p-CAH⁻) at low pH (pK_na ≈ 4.9), and between the single anionic and the double anionic form (p-CA²⁻) at high pH (pK_aa ≈ 9.35). In the organic solvents studied trans-p-coumaric acid is dissolved in its neutral form. The fluorescence quantum yield of trans-p-coumaric acid in aqueous solution is ?_F ≈ 1.4 × 10⁻⁴ for the neutral and the single anionic form, while it is ?_F ≈ 1.3 × 10⁻³ for the double anionic form. For trans-p-coumaric acid in organic solvents fluorescence quantum yields in the range from 4.8 × 10⁻⁵ (acetonitrile) to 1.5 × 10⁻⁴ (glycerol) were measured. The fluorescence spectra are 7700–10,000 cm⁻¹ Stokes shifted in aqueous solution, and 5400–8200 cm⁻¹ Stokes shifted in the studied organic solvents. Decay paths responsible for the low fluorescence quantum yields are discussed (photo-isomerisation and internal conversion for p-CA²⁻, solvent-assisted intra-molecular charge-transfer or ππ^∗ to nπ^∗ transfer and internal conversion for p-CAH₂ and p-CAH⁻). The solvent dependence of the first ππ^∗ electronic transition frequency and of the fluorescence Stokes shift of p-CAH₂ is discussed in terms of polar solute–solvent interaction effects. Thereby the ground-state and excite-state molecular dipole moments are extracted.     

Colorimetric and fluorometric dual-modal probes for cyanide detection based on the doubly activated Michael acceptor and their bioimaging applications

In this study, we synthesized CTB and CB probes based on doubly activated Michael acceptors to selectively detect cyanide (CN⁻) anions through a one-step condensation reaction of coumarinyl acrylaldehyde with the corresponding derivatives of malonyl urea (thiourea). Through the conjugated addition of CN⁻ to the β-site of the Michael acceptor, both probes displayed colorimetric and fluorometric dual-modal responses that were highly reactive and selective. CTB generates an active fluorescent response, whereas CB displays a ratiometric fluorescent response. The fluorescent signal of the probes reached its maximum given only 1 CN⁻ equivalent and the signal change was linearly proportional to CN⁻ concentrations ranging from 0 to 5 μM with the detection limits 18 and 23 nM, respectively. The reaction rate of the probes is highly dependent on the methylene acidity of malonyl urea derivatives. Thus, the response rate of CTB to CN⁻ is 1.2-fold faster than that of CB, and the response rate of CB to CN⁻ is 1.2-fold faster than that of the previously examined CM. We then verified the highly reactive nature of the β-site of the probes through density functional reactivity theory calculations. In addition, according to proof-of-concept experiments, these probes may be applied to analyze CN⁻ contaminated water and biomimetic samples. Finally, cell cytotoxicity and bioimaging studies revealed that the probes were cell-permeable and could be used to detect CN⁻ with low cytotoxicity.     

Versatility of an intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)benzoate group as a signaling subunit for anion recognition

The versatility of the 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)benzoate (DMAB) group embedded in host 1 as a signaling subunit for anion recognition was elucidated in terms of ¹H NMR, CD, and fluorescence studies. Host 1 showed 1:1 complexation with monovalent anions and stepwise 1:1 and 2:1 (host 1: anion) complexation with divalent phosphate anions. The binding constants between host 1 and anions were determined by means of ¹H NMR titrations in CD₃CN (HPO₄²⁻: log K_1:1=6.2, log K_2:1=4.9; H₂P₂O₇²⁻: log K_1:1=4.4, log K_2:1=1.8; AMP²⁻: log K_1:1>7, log K_2:1>5) and the affinity of host 1 toward divalent anions, HPO₄²⁻, H₂P₂O₇²⁻, and AMP²⁻, is stronger than that toward monovalent anions, NO₃⁻, BF₄⁻, ClO₄⁻, HSO₄⁻, and PF₆⁻. The CD exciton chirality studies of host 1 with divalent anions, HPO₄²⁻ and AMP²⁻, revealed that the two DMAB groups in the 2:1 complexes were arranged with negative chirality (counterclockwise). The dual fluorescence behavior of the DMAB group demonstrated not only the complexation stoichiometry but also the role(s) of the lipophilic countercation such as tetrabutylammonium and/or the hydrophilic residue in AMP during anion recognition.     

A ratiometric chemodosimeter for highly selective naked-eye and fluorogenic detection of cyanide

A simple indole-based chemosensor (1) with a very low molecular weight of 207 g mol⁻¹ has been synthesized for the highly reactive and selective detection of CN⁻ in aqueous media, even in the presence of other anions, such as F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, AcO⁻, S₂⁻${{\mathrm{S}}_2}^{-}$, SCN⁻, NO₂⁻${{\text{NO}}_2}^{-}$, NO₃⁻${{\text{NO}}_3}^{-}$, CO₃⁻${{\text{CO}}_3}^{-}$, BzO⁻, H₂PO₄⁻${{\mathrm{H}}_2{\text{PO}}_4}^{-}$, and HSO₄⁻${{\text{HSO}}_4}^{-}$. The sensor achieves rapid detection of cyanide anion in 2 min, and the pseudo-first-order rate constant is estimated as 1.576 min⁻¹. The colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent response of the sensor to CN⁻ is attributable to the addition of CN⁻ to the electron-deficient dicyanovinyl group of 1, which prevents intramolecular charge transfer. The sensing mechanism is supported by density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory calculations. Moreover, sensor 1 exhibits both high accuracy in determining the concentration of CN⁻ in real samples and 1-based test strips can conveniently detect CN⁻ without any additional equipment. The detection limit of the sensor 1 (1.1 μM) for cyanide is lower than the maximum permissible level of CN⁻ (1.9 μM) in drinking water.     

Synthesis, structural characterization and electrochemistry of C,N-chelated organotin(IV) dicarboxylates with ferrocenyl substituents

A set of C,N-chelated organotin(IV) ferrocenecarboxylates, [L^CN(n-Bu)Sn(O₂CFc)₂] (1), [(L^CN)₂Sn(O₂CFc)₂] (2), [L^CN(n-Bu)Sn(O₂CCH₂Fc)₂] (3), [L^CN(n-Bu)Sn(O₂CCH₂CH₂Fc)₂] (4), [L^CN(n-Bu)Sn(O₂CCHCHFc)₂] (5), [L^CN(n-Bu)Sn(O₂CfcPPh₂)₂] (6), [(L^CN)₂Sn(O₂CfcPPh₂)₂] (7), and [L^CN(n-Bu)₂Sn(O₂CFc)] (8) (L^CN = 2-(N,N-dimethylaminomethyl)phenyl, Fc = ferrocenyl and fc = ferrocene-1,1′-diyl) has been synthesized by metathesis of the respective organotin(IV) halides and carboxylate potassium salts and characterized by multinuclear NMR and IR spectroscopy. The spectral data indicated that the tin atoms in diorganotin(IV) dicarboxylates bearing one C,N-chelating ligand (1 and 3-6) are seven-coordinated with a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal environment around the tin constituted by the n-butyl group, the chelating L^CN ligand and bidentate carboxylate. Compounds 2 and 7 possessing two chelating L^CN ligands comprise octahedrally coordinated tin atoms and monodentate carboxylate donors, whereas compound 8 assumes a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry around tin with the carboxylate binding in unidentate fashion. The solid state structures determined for 1⋅C₆D₆ and 2 by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis are in agreement with spectroscopic data. Compounds 1, 3-5, and 8 were further studied by electrochemical methods. Whereas the oxidations of ferrocene units in bis(carboxylate) 2 and monocarboxylate 8 proceed in single steps, compound 1 undergoes two closely spaced one-electron redox waves due to two independently oxidized ferrocenyl groups. The spaced analogues of 2, compounds 3-5, again display only single waves corresponding to two-electron exchanged.     

Direct spectrophotometric determination of calcium in clinical samples with carboxyazo-p-CH3

A highly sensitive and relatively interference-free spectrophotometric method for determination of calcium is described. The method is based on the reaction between calcium ions and carboxyazo-p-CH₃ in aqueous citrate medium of pH 7, to form a blue complex with maximum absorption at 716 nm. The calibration is linear up to 0.12 μg ml⁻¹ calcium with a repeatability (R.S.D.) of 1.0% at a concentration of 0.04 μg ml⁻¹ (n=5). The molar absorptivity of the complex and Sandell’s sensitivity are 3.5×10⁵ l mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹ and 0.11 ng cm⁻², its 10σ limit of quantification and the 3σ limit of detection were found to be 0.3 ng ml⁻¹ and 0.09 ng ml⁻¹ respectively. The influence of reaction variables and the effect of interfering ions are studied; no interference was observed in clinical samples. The proposed method has been applied directly to the determination of calcium in clinical samples without the need for pre-concentration, masking metal ions and digesting samples.