The complexation equilibria of Cd(II) with PAR were studied in solutions containing 50% (v/v) ethanol–water medium within the pH range 3.0–10.0. The solution spectra were recorded in equimolar solutions and in solutions containing an excess of one component. The absorption spectrum of the Cd complex shows an absorbance maximum at 510 nm, where the reagent PAR does not absorb.
The optimum concentration of PAR for maximum colour development was determined by carrying out a set of experiments using a 7.86 μg ml−1 Cd2+ concentration. The reagent concentration was varied over a wide range from 1×10−5 M to about 5×10−3 M. The maximum absorbance was attained using 2×10−4 M PAR.
The complex formation starts at pH 3.0 and increases up to pH 6.0 as evidenced by increase in absorbance. Maximum colour development is attained at pH 5.0–6.0. At higher pH values, a decrease of absorbance is observed which is presumably due to the formation of hydroxo-complexes. The absorbance versus pH graphs for the Cd–PAR system were interpreted using the relationships derived by Voznica et al. [13], and by the generalized approach described previously [14] and [15]. By considering the acid–base equilibria of PAR in 50% (v/v) ethanol, one can assume that the molecular form of the reagent [H2L] is the prevalent species in the pH range (3.0–5.5). At this pH range, the graphical analysis of the absorbance versus pH graphs for solutions with different component ratios of Cd(II) complex (Fig. 1), indicate that the best fit of analysis is obtained with the libration of one proton and formation of [CdHL]+ complex according to equilibrium (1),(Fig. 2).