Abstract: | ABSTRACT The stepwise formation constants of Ce3+, Th4+ and UO2 2+ complexes with four azo compounds based on I-phenyl-2, 3-dimethylpyrazoline-5-one nucleus namely; 4-phenylazo- (2-hydroxy, 5-x) 1-pheny1-2, 3-dimethy1-pyrazoline-5-one, where x= H (1), OH (II), COOH (III) and NH2 (IV) have been determined potentiometrically at different temperatures and ionic strengths in 30% (v/v) ethanol-water solutions, then the thermodynamic parameters are calculated. Negatives values of both ∠H and ∠G are obtained indicating the exothermic and spontaneous nature of complexation reactions, whereas positive values of ∠S show that entropy consideration favour complex formation. The study at different ionic strengths shows that an increase in the latter causes a decrese in the pK values. The azo compounds are also tested as new reagents for the spectrophotometric determination of Ce3+, Th4+ and UO2 2+ ions in synthetic and natural solutions by extensive investigation of the optimum conditions favoring the formation of colored complexes. |