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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Thermochemical Studies of Ni(II) and Zn(II) Ternary Complexes Using Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 8, 2022
Ternary complexes in analytical chemistry-I the niobium-pyrocatechol-sparteine complex
1University of Trondheim, The norwegian Institute of Technology, Physical Chemistry Division, N-7034 Trondheim-NTH, Norway.
A new method using a niobium complex with pyrocatechol and sparteine offers sensitive and selective spectrophotometric determination. This stable, rapidly forming complex is ideal for analyzing niobium in various samples.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
Background:
- Accurate determination of niobium is crucial for materials science and metallurgy.
- Existing spectrophotometric methods for niobium often lack sensitivity or selectivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sensitive and selective spectrophotometric method for niobium determination.
- To investigate a novel ternary complex of niobium for analytical applications.
Main Methods:
- Formation and characterization of a ternary complex involving niobium, pyrocatechol, and sparteine.
- Spectrophotometric analysis of the complex under varying pH conditions.
- Solvent extraction of the complex using organic solvents.
- Evaluation of interference from various cations and anions.
Main Results:
- A stable ternary complex of niobium with pyrocatechol and sparteine was successfully formed.
- The complex formation was rapid and occurred over a wide pH range.
- Quantitative extraction of the complex into organic solvents was achieved.
- The method demonstrated selectivity, with minimal interference from 40 cations and 10 anions.
Conclusions:
- The developed ternary complex system provides a sensitive and selective method for niobium spectrophotometric determination.
- This method is applicable to the analysis of synthetic mixtures and niobium ores.
- The stability and rapid formation of the complex enhance its practical utility in analytical chemistry.
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