A new thiourea derivative [2-(3-ethylthioureido)benzoic acid] for cloud point extraction of some trace metals in water, biological and food samples

•A cloud point extraction procedure using a new thiourea derivative is proposed.•The procedure with FAAS showed excellent analytical performance and low LOD.•The process is free from interference.•The method is simple and eco-friendly and can be applied for biological and food analysis. 2-(3-Ethylthioureido)benzoic acid was prepared and characterized by electronic spectrum, elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum and mass spectrum. The produced ligand was applied for the preconcentrative of Fe3+, Co2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ in aqueous samples by cloud point extraction methodology. Triton X-114 was used as extractant. Experimental parameters that may affect the extraction process were examined and optimized; such as pH, ligand and triton concentrations, type of diluting solvent, extraction temperature and ionic strength. The calibration curves were linear upto 500μgL−1 for Fe3+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ and upto 200μgL−1 for Co2+. The achieved detection limits were 1.5, 0.23, 0.71 and 0.35μgL−1 for Fe3+, Co2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ respectively. The accuracy was established by analysis of certified reference materials (Seronorm whole blood L2 and ZCS ZC85006 Tomato). The proposed procedure was used for preconcentration of these metal ions in water, biological and food samples prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry.