Extraction-fluorimetric determination of mercury with 2-phenylbenzo[8,9]quinolizino[4,5,6,7-fed]phenanthridinylium perchlorate

Abstract

The characteristics of 2-phenylbenzo[8,9]quinolizino[4,5,6,7-fed] phenanthridinylium perchlorate (PQPP) as a reagent for the formation of ion-association complexes with metal-bromide anions and its application to the fluorimetric determination of mercury are described. This reagent forms a 1: 1 complex with HgBr₃-that is slightly soluble in water and can be extracted with butyl acetate. The influence of the acidity, bromide ion concentration and foreign ions were investigated. Mercury can be determined in the range 1.5–15 ng ml^–1. The stoicheiometry and apparent stability constant of the complex were determined. The method is applicable to the determination of mercury in sphalerites and organomercurials in cleaning solutions for contact lenses.