Coconut oil as a natural solvent is proposed for green downscaling solvent extractive determination. Determination of Cu(II) using 1,5-Diphenylcarbazide (DPC) was selected as a model for the investigation. Cu(II)-DPC complexes in aqueous solution were transferred into coconut oil phase. The change of the color due to Cu(II)-DPC complexes in coconut oil was followed by using a smartphone and image processing. A single standard concept was used for a series of Cu(II) standard solutions. A downscaling procedure using a 2 mL vial provided a calibration: color intensity = -142 [Cu(II)] + 222, (R2 = 0.98), 10% RSD. Using a well plate, a calibration was: color intensity = 61 [Cu(II)] + 68 (R2 = 0.91), 15% RSD. Both were for the range of 0-1 ppm Cu(II). Application of the developed procedure to water samples was demonstrated. The developed procedures provided a new approach of green chemical analysis.
Keywords: coconut oil; colorimetric solvent extraction determination; copper (II); diphenylcarbazide; diphenylcarbazone; downscaling extraction; green chemical analysis; natural solvent.