bathocuproine

Bathocuproine is an organic compound with the chemical formula C26H22N2. It is a disulfonated derivative of bathocuproine, meaning it has two sulfonic acid groups attached to the molecule. This structural modification significantly increases its water solubility compared to the parent compound. Bathocuproine is primarily known for its use as a colorimetric reagent in analytical chemistry, particularly for the determination of copper ions.

In the presence of copper(I) ions, bathocuproine forms a intensely colored complex. This complex exhibits maximum absorbance in the visible spectrum, typically around 483 nm, making it highly suitable for spectrophotometric analysis. The intensity of the color produced is directly proportional to the concentration of copper(I) ions present in the sample, allowing for quantitative measurements. This method is sensitive and selective for copper, with minimal interference from other common metal ions.

The application of bathocuproine extends to various fields, including environmental monitoring, where it is used to detect copper contamination in water samples. It is also employed in biological and medical research to measure copper levels in biological fluids and tissues. The compound's ability to form stable and brightly colored complexes with copper(I) makes it a valuable tool for chemists and researchers requiring accurate and reliable copper quantification.