Metal chelate fluorescence enhancement in micellar media: mechanisms of surfactant action

Abstract

The results obtained for fluorescence measurements of different metallic chelates in micellar media are discussed. Al^III, Nb^V and Ta^V complexes with flavonols, 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives, azo dyes and anthracene derivatives are readily solubilised and they fluoresce in aqueous micellar solutions of different surfactants. The general trends of surfactant action are discussed in terms of the type of reagent and surfactant, the solubilisation of the chelates in the micelles, competition and quenching reactions and the formation of new species. As a result of the observations reported, these fluorimetric and phosphorimetric reactions could be utilised for the determination of a wide variety of metals.