An inimitable and ecological pleasant technique for the assessment of trace amount of copper (II) in tangible samples with new complexing reagent

A simple and rapid spectrophotometric technique has been designed for the trace copper analysis employing 1-(2-Thiazolylazo)-2-naphthol (TAN) reagent in aqueous micellar solution of cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a surfactant. Copper complexed with 1-(2-Thiazolylazo)-2-naphthol to form bis[1-(2-Thiazolylazo)-2-naphthol]copper. The present spectrophotometric technique was very important since the micellar system was used in place of the toxic, high cost and time-consuming solvent extraction steps. The technique showed an enhanced detection efficiency, specificity, and molar absorptivity. It was found that the molar absorption coefficient and sensitivity of Sandel were ε 2.45 × 104 L mol−1cm−1 and 2.6 ngcm−2 at λmax 578.4 nm. A linear calibration plot in the range 0.12–5.0 μg mL−1 was obtained; a stoichiometric metal ligand ratio [M:L] of 1:2 was found for the formation of Cu-[TAN]2. The complex was formed at pH 9.5 and was stable up to 24 h. The proposed technique has been employed to study copper from different alloys, biological, environmental and pharmaceutical samples. The different concentrations of copper ions, TAN solution, buffer solutions and CTAB were mixed into measuring flask of 10 mL to form copper complex. Copper metal at optimum conditions was analyzed using UV-vis spectrophotometer. [Display omitted] •Spectrophotometric technique was developed for the trace Cu(II) analysis with TAN reagent in CTAB surfactant.•Copper complexed with 1-(2-Thiazolylazo)-2-naphthol to form bis[1-(2-Thiazolylazo)-2-naphthol] copper.•Developed technique replaced toxic, high cost and time-consuming old solvent extraction method.•The technique showed an enhanced sensitivity, selectivity and molar absorptivity.•Proposed method successfully applied for Cu(II) analysis from various alloys, biological and pharmaceutical samples.