Spectrophotometric studies on the uranyl-ascorbate complex

Abstract A systematic spectrophotometric study on the complexation of uranyl ions with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is carried out. Factors influencing the sensitivity or selectivity of uranyl ascorbate are studied, and adequate elimination or control of the procedure is suggested. Results of the absorbance of uranyl ascorbate developed in HNO 3 , HCl, and H 2 SO 4 acid media within the concentration range (1.0–8.0) × 10 − N show a marked dependence on the nature and concentration of the acid used. The observed decrease in color intensity at higher acidities is explained on the basis of the decomposing effect of hydrogen ions on uranyl ascorbate and the complexing effect on uranyl ions. Study of the stoichiometry of uranium:ascorbic acid complex in acid medium by continuous variation and molar ratio methods indicated the formation of 1:1 and 1:2 complexes. The formation constant of the 1:1 complex as calculated by these two methods was found to be 4.8 × 10 4 and 5.0 × 10 4 , respectively. Best suitable conditions for stabilizing and increasing the color intensity of uranyl ascorbate, dependent on the nature of the medium and pH of the solution, are suggested for the determination of ascorbic acid in pharmaceutical preparations using this method.