Analytical applications of ternary complexes-VIII An improved reagent system for the spectrophotometric determination of aluminium

Aluminium ions form a ternary complex with Catechol Violet (CV) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in which an Al(3)+:CV:CTAB ratio of 1:2:5 is observed. The sensitivity of the binary complex between aluminium and Catechol Violet (615nm) = 1.50 x 10(3) l. mole (-1). mm(-1) is enhanced on ternary complex formation to (670nm) = 5.30 x 10(3) l. mole(-1). mm(-1). The colour is formed instantaneously, stabilizes within 20 min, and may be used for the detection of aluminium in the range O.27-54 pm in the presence of EDTA which prevents the interference of most ions. A benzoate extraction procedure for aluminium is used to prevent interference from hundredfold amounts of Cr(VI), Fe(II), Fe(III), Hg(II), Sb(III), Ti(IV) and acetate, but Be, Cr(III), rare earths, V(V), Zr and tartrate must be absent, as must high concentrations of phosphate and fluoride ions.