Simultaneous determination of uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) with carminic acid by derivative spectrophotometry

The reactions of uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) ions with carminic acid have been investigated. These ions react with carminic acid in neutral medium, forming colored complexes. The dark purple or red wine complexes show a high absorption in the visible region (597 nm U(VI) and 616 nm Th(IV)). Chemical variables that affect the reaction have been optimized. The spectral overlapping of the color of complexes has been resolved by first-derivative spectrophotometry. The simultaneous determination of uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) mixtures is accomplished by taking the derivative signal (zero crossing) at 597 nm for U(VI) determination and at 616 nm for Th(IV) determination, respectively. The method has been applied to Tyuyamonite ore, containing in the matrix both ions.