Selective Separation and Preconcentration of Fe(III) and Zn(II) Ions by Solvent Extraction Using a New Triketone Reagent

A simple, rapid, and accurate method was developed for separation and preconcentration of trace levels of iron(III) and zinc(II) ions in environmental samples. Methyl-2-(4-methoxy-benzoyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxopropanoylcarbamate (MMPC) has been proposed as a new complexing agent for Fe(III) and Zn(II) ions using solvent extraction prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Fe(III) and Zn(II) ions can be selectively separated from Fe(II), Pb(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Mn(II), Cr(III), Ni(II), Cd(II), Ag(I), Au(III), Pd(II), Cr(VI), and Al(III) ions in the solution by using the MMPC reagent. The analytical parameters such as pH, sample volume, shaking time, amount of MMPC reagent, volume of methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), effect of ionic strength, and type of back extractant were investigated. The recovery values for Fe(III) and Zn(II) ions were greater than 95% and the detection limits for Fe(III) and Zn(II) ions were 0.26 and 0.32 mu g L(-1), respectively. The precision of the method as the relative standard deviation changed between 1.8 and 2.1%. Calibration curves have a determination coefficient (r(2)) of at least 0.997 or higher. The preconcentration factor was found to be 100. Accuracy of the method was checked by analyzing of a certified reference material and spiked samples. The developed method was applied to several matrices such as water, hair, and food samples.