Simple and sensitive method for the determination of trace amounts of thorium using a benzoquinone derivative

A novel simple, sensitive, rapid, direct, and spectrophotometry-based procedure was investigated to determine Th(IV) at trace amounts. The new method is based on Th(IV) chelation with 3,6-dichloro-2,5-dihydroxy-l,4-benzoquinone (DDBQ). The reagent reacts with Th(IV) in 0.1 M HCl to form an orange 1:2 complex. The stability constant value is 6.62 × 104 for the Th(IV) complex. The Th(IV)-DDBQ obtained shows one peak with a maximum at about 346 nm. The chelate forms immediately and the absorbance remains stable for over 24 h. Beer’s law was obeyed in the concentration range 0–10 µg mL−1. The molar absorptivity and Sandell’s sensitivity were 4.4 × 104 L mol−1 cm−1 and 0.0053 μg cm−2, respectively. Different analytical parameters were tested in detail. Interfering ion (cations and anions) effects were tested. Methods for Th(IV) determination by second and third-derivative spectrophotometry were also introduced at about 344 and 341 nm, respectively. These two derivative orders offer the feature of sensitivity without the necessity for solvent extraction, heating, or pre-concentration steps. Finally, the methods were successfully utilized for Th(IV) determination in monazite, environmental water, and wastewater samples.