Interactions of Celestine Blue, (Phenoxazine Dye) with Solvents and Metal Ions: Spectrophotometric and Computational Studies

Lateefa M. Durosinmi, Lukman O. Olasunkanmi and Olawale, F. Akinyele

Background and Objective: Research into the design of materials and strategies for the detection of metal ions continues to increase because of the need for a clean environment and better life opportunities. Dyes are applied in all areas of life for painting, dyeing paper, skin and clothing. Solvatochromic dyes are used as fluorescent sensors and imaging agents. A number of these applications of dyes are based upon their ability to form soluble complexes with metal ions. This study is to investigate the interactions of Celestine Blue (CB) with different solvents and the transition metal ions at different pH values using UV/Visible Spectrophotometry and Computational Analyses. Materials and Methods: Reagents used were Celestine Blue (CB), water, ethanol, acetonitrile, cyclohexane, copper (II), cobalt (II) and buffered solutions, (pH 2., 5, 8, 11). For the solvent effects, 0.20% of Celestine blue in different solvents were prepared. While for the chelating properties, 2×10^–2 mol dm^–3 of metal (II) acetate and Celestine blue were prepared in an aqueous solution. UV/Visible absorption measurements of the mixtures were taken. For the computational analyses, molecular structures of the CB ligand and its metal (II) complexes were modelled using Gauss View 5.0. Results: The study provided information on the solvatochromic nature of Celestine blue. A 1:1 metal: Dye species at pH 8 in an aqueous solution was established. The computational modelling also suggests the favourable disposition of CB to complex with these metal ions. Conclusion: Celestine blue is solvatochromic and also a potential chelating agent for metal ions.

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