A Simple Spectrofluorimetric Method Based on Quenching of a Nickel(II)-Phthalocyanine Complex to Determine Iron (III)

A new nickel(II)-phthalocyanine complex (NiPc) was synthesized and used as a fluorescent ligand in determination of iron in real samples. The NiPc compound, when excited at 350 nm, decreases of emission with increases of the iron(III) concentration at 425 nm were used analytical response in a modified standard addition method. The method was validated by analyzing two certified reference materials (CRM-SA-C Sandy Soil C and Mixed Polish Herbs (INCT-MPH-2). Food and drug samples were digested in a closed microwave system using nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, all iron in the samples converted to iron(III) ion. These solutions were used directly in determination of iron(III) ion. No cleanup or enrichment of the solutions was required. The calibration graph was linear until 14.00 μg mL(-1). Detection limit and quantification limit were 1.29 μg mL(-1) and 3.88 μg mL(-1), respectively. The method provided accurate results for the majority of the food samples tested, including spanich, dill, mint, purslane, rocket, red lentils, dry beans and two iron medicinal tablets. Also, the high recovery (95.6 %) was obtained for a fortified stream water sample. The simple and cost-effective method is suitable for monitoring total iron concentration in foods and drug samples.