This review article summarizes and analyzes modern approaches to the ex-tractive spectrophotometric determination of copper(II) ions in natural wa-ters, ores, environmental, and industrial samples. The quantitative determi-nation of Cu(II) ions is of great importance for scientific and medical re-search, as well as for environmental monitoring. In recent years, numerous methods have been developed to ensure high accuracy, rapid analysis, and high sensitivity in their determination. Particular attention has been devoted to the development and application of organic analytical reagents capable of forming intensely colored, stable, and selectively extractable complexes with Cu(II) ions. The paper discusses the physicochemical properties, environ-mental behavior, and toxicological significance of Cu(II) ions, emphasizing the necessity of their sensitive and selective monitoring in natural waters, wastewater, soils, food products, and pharmaceutical samples. In addition, the historical development of organic reagents in inorganic analysis and the role of coordination chemistry in advancing spectrophotometric methods are also highlighted. A wide range of chromogenic reagents-including hydra-zones, thiosemicarbazones, azo compounds, triazoles, and Schiff bases-is re-viewed. For each system, key analytical characteristics such as optimal pH, complex stoichiometry, extraction conditions, absorption maxima (λmax), molar absorptivity (ε), linear dynamic ranges, limits of detection, limits of quantification, stability constants, and interference effects are comparatively analyzed. The advantages of extractive spectrophotometry-high sensitivity, simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and applicability to trace-level determina-tion-are highlighted in comparison with instrumental techniques such as atomic absorption spectrometry. Overall, spectrophotometric techniques stand out among analytical methods due to their high precision, rapid opera-tion, and low reagent consumption, making them effective tools in environ-mental and biomedical research.
Cite this paper
Jamoliddin, T. , Gulzoda, T. , Nurmukhammat, T. , Shahinabonu, K. , Rano, K. and Bekhruz, T. (2026). The Extractive Spectrophotometric Determination of Cu(II) Ions in Environmental and Industrial Samples. Open Access Library Journal, 13, e15367. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1115367.
Usmanova, Kh.U., Bobojonov, Kh.Sh., Smanova, Z.A., Abdullayeva, M.M., et al. (2025) Priority Toxic Metals Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead in Ecosystems: A Review of Sources, Toxicity, and Regulatory Approaches. Chemical Review and Letters, 8, 883-902.
Todjiyev, J.N., Turabov, N., Turaeva, G.S., et al. (2024) Spectrophotometric Determination of Microconcentrations of Zinc(II) and Copper(II) in Water and Industrial Alloys Using a New Chromogenic Reagent [4-Amino-5-Hydroxy-6-[(5-Methyl-2-Pyridyl)azo]-3-Sulfo-1-Naphthyl]sulfonyloxysodium. Chemical Review and Letters, 3, 388-403.
Bobojonov, Kh.Sh., Usmanova, Kh.U., Smanova, Z.A., et al. (2025) Sorption-Fluorescence Determination of Aluminum(III) and Gallium(III) Using Immobilized Organic Reagents. Chemical Review and Letters, 8, 1295-1306.
Nazirov, Sh.S., Turaev, Kh.Kh., Kasimov, Sh.A., et al. (2026) Spectrophotometric Methods for Determination of Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) Ions. International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology, 74, 54-74. https://doi.org/10.14445/22315381/ijett-v74i2p104
Nazirov, Sh.S., Turaev, Kh.Kh., Kasimov, Sh.A., Normurodov, B.A., et al. (2024) Spectrophotometric Determination of Copper(II) Ion with 7-Bromo-2-Nitroso-1-Oxinaphthalene-3,6-Disulphocid. Indian Journal of Chemistry, 63, 500-505.
Todjiyev, J.N., Turabov, N., Xusanov, B.M., Turaeva, G.S., Lakaev, Sh.S., Razzoqova, S.R., et al. (2024) Determination of Ni(II) Ions in Natural Objects and Industrial Alloys via a Spectrophotometric Method with 4,5-Dihydroxy-3,6-Dinitrosonaphthalene-2,7-disulfoxic Acid. Chemical Review and Letters, 10, 895-911.
Nikonenko, I.S. (2016) Rapid Methods for the Determination of Copper and Cadmium Ions in the Environment. Young Scientist, No. 24, 121-124. https://moluch.ru/archive/128/35458
Kuronboyev, D.P., Faizullayeva, M.F., Kutlimurotova, N.Kh., et al. (2025) Development of a Method for Cyclic Voltametric Determination of Copper(II) Ions in the Composition of Technological Objects. Chemical Review and Letters, 8, 469-481.
Ermakov, V.V. (2015) Geochemical Ecology and Biogeochemical Criteria for Estimating the Ecologic State of Biospheric Taxons. Geochemistry International, 53, 195-212. https://doi.org/10.1134/s0016702915030064
Suldina, T.I. (2016) Content of Heavy Metals in Food Products and Their Impact on the Human Body. Rational Nutrition, Food Additives and Biostimulants, No. 1, 136-140. https://s.journal-nutrition.ru/pdf/2016/1/35727.pdf
Usmanova, K., Smanova, Z., Ermatova, A., Bobojonov, K., Akhmadjonov, U. and Nasirdinov, D. (2025) Sorption-Spectrophotometric Determination of Lead and Zinc Ions in Agroecosystem Samples Using Immobilised Sulfarsazen. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1080/03067319.2025.2573779
Alharthi, S.S. and Al-Saidi, H.M. (2020) Spectrophotometric Determination of Trace Concentrations of Copper in Waters Using the Chromogenic Reagent 4-Amino-3-Mercapto-6-[2-(2-Thienyl)vinyl]-1,2,4-Triazin-5(4h)-One: Synthesis, Characterization, and Analytical Applications. Applied Sciences, 10, Article No. 3895. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10113895
Atiyah, M. and Hussain, A-F. (2020) Spectrophotometric Determination of Micro Amount of Copper(II) Using a New of (Azo) Derivative, Study of Thermodynamic Functions and Their Analytical Application. Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy, 10, 171-181.
Sonawane, R.P., Lokhande, R.S. and Chavan, U.M. (2013) Development of Method for Extractive Spectrophotometric Determination of Cu(II) with 2-Hydroxy-1-Naphthalene Carboxaldehyde Phenyl Hydrazone as an Analytical Reagent. International Letters of Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy, 14, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.56431/p-1t381i
Nagarjuna, R. and Vasudeva, R. (2012) Development of an Extractive Spectrophotometric Method for the Determination of Copper(II) in Leafy Vegetable and Pharmaceutical Samples Using 2-Acetylpyridine 4-Phenyl-3-Thiosemicarbazone (APPT). Momona Ethiopian Journal of Science, 4, 70-83. https://doi.org/10.4314/mejs.v4i2.80117
Umesh, P., Vasant, M. and Barhate, D. (2016) Extractive Spectrophotometric Determination of Copper(II) Using 2-(5-Bromo-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-hydrazine Carbothiamide as Analytical Reagent. European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 4, 392-396.
Shaikh, A.B., Barache, U.B., Anuse, M.A. and Gaikwad, S.H. (2016) 4-(4’-Nitrobenzylideneimino)-3-methyl-5-mercapto-1,2,4-Triazole, a New Chromogenic Reagent for Extractive Spectrophotometric Determination of Copper(II) in Pharmaceutical and Alloy Samples. South African Journal of Chemistry, 69, 3425-3434. https://doi.org/10.17159/0379-4350/2016/v69a19
Zalov, A.Z., Maharramov, A.M., Huseynova, A.T., et al. (2017) Extraction and Spectrophotometric Determination of Copper(II) with 1-(2-Metoxiphenylamin)-3-metoksipropanthiol-2. Open Access Journal of Science, 1, 97-102. https://doi.org/10.15406/oajs.2017.01.00019
Sreevani, S. and Swetha, M. (2016) Non-Extractive Spectrophotometric Determination of Cu(II) Using 2-Hydroxy-3-Methoxy Benzaldehyde Thiosemicarbazone (HMBATSC). IOSR Journal of Applied Chemistry, 9, 63-67. https://doi.org/10.9790/5736-0909016367
Raafid, E., Al-Da’amy, M.A. and Kadhim, S.H. (2020) Spectrophotometric Determination of Cu(II) in Analytical Sample Using a New Chromogenic Reagent (HPEDN). Indonesian Journal of Chemistry, 20, 1080-1084. https://doi.org/10.22146/ijc.47894
Babayeva, K., Demir, S. and Andac, M. (2017) A Novel Spectrophotometric Method for the Determination of Copper Ion by Using a Salophen Ligand, N,N’-Disalicylidene-2,3-diaminopyridine. Journal of Taibah University for Science, 11, 808-814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtusci.2017.02.001
Soares, S.A.R., Costa, S.S.L., Araujo, R.G.O., Teixeira, L.S.G. and Dantas, A.F. (2018) Comparison of Spectrophotometric Methods for the Determination of Copper in Sugar Cane Spirit. Journal of AOAC International, 101, 876-882. https://doi.org/10.5740/jaoacint.17-0154
Ayvazova, A., Mughalova, G. and Chiragov, F. (2019) Spectrophotometric Method for Determination of Copper(II) Microquantities in a Banana, Mushrooms and Pea. New Materials, Compounds and Applications, 3, 23-28.
Gharanjik, R., Nassir, M. and Hashemi, H. (2020) Spectrophotometric Determination of Copper and Nickel in Marine Brown Algae after Preconcentration with Surfactant Assisted Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction. Iranian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, 3, 117-126.
Guray, T. (2018) Validated UV-Vis Spectrophotometric Method for the Determination of Copper Using 2,3,4,6-Tetrahydroxy-3-Sulfoazobenzene in Real Samples. Journal of Chemical Society of Pakistan, 40, 529-535.
Bazel, Y., Tupys, A., Ostapiuk, Y., Tymoshuk, O., Imrich, J. and Sandrejová, J. (2018) A Simple Non-Extractive Green Method for the Spectrophotometric Sequential Injection Determination of Copper(II) with Novel Thiazolylazo Dyes. RSC Advances, 8, 15940-15950. https://doi.org/10.1039/c8ra02039f
Bagherian, G., Arab Chamjangali, M., Shariati Evari, H. and Ashrafi, M. (2019) Determination of Copper(II) by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry after Its Perconcentration by a Highly Selective and Environmentally Friendly Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction Technique. Journal of Analytical Science and Technology, 10, 16-23. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40543-019-0164-6
Tariq, Z. and Shaimaa, A. (2021) Monitoring of Copper Content in Some Food Samples Using Micro Extraction Combined with Spectrophotometric Technique. Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy, 2, 219-230.
Aliyeva, F.S. (2020) Synthesis and Structure of Bis-[3-(Fluorphenylazo-Pentadiene-2,4)Ethylenediimines] and the Study of Complex Formation with Copper(II) Ion. Azerbaijan Chemical Journal, No. 2, 56-60. https://doi.org/10.32737/0005-2531-2020-2-56-60
Kodochigova, A.D. and Toroshchina, N.E. (2018) Study of the Structure of Copper(II) and Nickel(II) Complexes with Ethylenediamine by Spectrophotometric Methods. Student Science and the 21st Century, 2, 96-99.
Kuzmin, I.I., Chyong, T.K., Simakina, Y.I., Mikhailova, A.V. and Fabelinsky, Y.I. (2019) Determination of Copper(II) Ions by Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy Method: Analytical Methods in Chemistry and Chemical Technology. Fine Chemical Technologies, 14, 78-86. https://doi.org/10.32362/2410-6593-2018-14-2-78-86
Golygina, A.A., Sevryugina, D.A. and Smirnova, N.N. (2017) Spectrophotometric Determination of Copper(II) Cations in Copper Plating Electrolytes in the Presence of Complexing Components. Scientific and Practical Journal “Aspirant”, 6, 11-14.
Dedkova, V.P., Shvoeva, O.P. and Grechnikov, A.A. (2017) Determination of Copper in Urine by Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy. Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 72, 1208-1211. https://doi.org/10.1134/s1061934817120048
Gortsevich, S.L., Kravchenko, P.A. and Pichugina, A.I. (2018) Application of the Photometric Method Using 4-(2-Pyridylazo)resorcinol for Quantitative Analysis and Study of the Oxidative Dissolution of Copper during the Formation of Thiocyanate Complexes. Bulletin of Science and Practice, 12, 81-84.
Bogan, V.I. and Rebezov, M.B. (2014) Improvement of the Potentiometric Method for Determination of Toxic Elements on the Example of Lead, Cadmium, and Cop-per Determination [in Food Products and Food Raw Materials]. Bulletin of South Ural State University. Series: Food and Biotechnology, 3, 53-60.
Suleimanova, E.I. and Gurbanova, F.S. (2022) Extractive Spectrophotometric Meth-od for the Determination of Metal Ions. Bulletin of Bashkir State Pedagogical University named after M. Akmulla, 3, 131-138.
Kaisheva, N.S. and Kaishev, A.S. (2023) Interaction of Copper(II) Ions with Pectin in Solutions. Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal, 57, 218-226. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11094-023-02871-8
Pratskova, S.E. and Ageenko, E.I. (2021) Photometric Determination of Copper(II) Based on Its Catalytic Effect on the Reduction of Iron(III) by Thiosulfate Ion. Mos-cow University Chemistry Bulletin, Series 2: Chemistry, 62, 356-359.
Turabov, N.T., Khusanov, B.M., Todjiev, J.N., Eshmurzaev, Y.Sh. and Toshkhojaev, M.A. (2023) A New Method for Spectrophotometric Determination of Copper(II) Ions. Universum: Chemistry and Biology, 6, 46-52. https://7universum.com/ru/nature/archive/item/15620
Elchishcheva, Y.B., Sitnikova, M.A. and Pavlov, P.T. (2023) Development of Spectrophotometric Method of Copper(II) Ions Determination with N-Benzyloyl-n’-(Phenylsulfonyl)hydrazine. Bulletin of Perm University. Chemistry, 13, 83-91. https://doi.org/10.17072/2223-1838-2023-2-83-91
Rasulov, Ch.K. and Guseinova, G.A. (2022) Determination of Copper Ions by Ex-tractive Spectrophotometry. Bulletin of Bashkir State Pedagogical University named after M. Akmulla, 3, 214-219.
Kuliev, K.A., Verdizade, N.A. and Suleymanova, G.S. (2017) The Study of Copper(II) Complexation with 2,6-Dithiol-4-Tert-Butylphenol and Hydrophobic Amines. Proceedings of Universities Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, 7, 21-32. https://doi.org/10.21285/2227-2925-2017-7-2-21-32
Snigur, D.V., Dubovyi, V.P. and Chebotarev, A.N. (2020) Atomic-Absorption Determination of Copper(II) in Water Samples after Its Cloud-Point Extraction Preconcentration. Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seriya 2, Khimiya, 61, 414-419.
Glebov, M.V. (2017) Spectrophotometric Analytical Method for Determining the Composition of Copper-Tin Alloy. Proceedings of the III International Scientific and Practical Conference, Vol. 2, 28-33.
Katrich, K.V., Shchepina, N.D. and Mysnik, I.V. (2020) Spectrophotometric Determination of Copper(II) in Microfertilizers. In: Chemical Problems of Modernity 2020. Proceedings of the IV International Scientific Conference of Students, Post-graduates and Young Scientists, Donetsk National University, 70.
Shachneva, E.Yu. (2016) Determination of Copper Ions in Industrial Objects by Sorption-Photometric Method. Advances in Current Natural Sciences, 4, 67-71.
Moustafa, A., El-Sayed, H., Amin, A., El-Haggar, A. and Gouda, A. (2023) Surfactant Assisted Spectrophotometric Determination of Copper(II), and Mercury(II) in Real Samples Using 2-Amino-4-((4-Nitrophenyl)diazenyl)pyridine-3-ol. Bulletin of Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, 2023, 11-26. https://doi.org/10.21608/bfszu.2022.178725.1219
Kirievskaya, V.O., Yelchishcheva, Yu.B., Pavlov, P.T., Chekanova, L.G.and Maksimov, A.S. (2017) N-Acyl-N-(p-Toluenesulfonyl)hydrazines as Reagents for the Pre-concentration of Transition Metal Ions, Vestnik of Perm University. Series: Chemistry, 1, 58-71.
Khaled, M.E., Qamar, H. and Khawla, A. (2022) Spectrophotometric Determination of Zn(II) and Cu(II) in Analytical Sample Using Murexide Reagent. Progress in Chemical and Biochemical Research, 5, 229-238.
Alaa, A.N., Muneer, A.Al-D. and Salih, H.K. (2022) Spectrophotometric Determination of Cu(II) Using DMIPNI as a New Reagent Derived from 4,5-Diphenyl Imidazole. IJDDT, 2, 522-527.
Kazantseva, I.S., Chausov, F.F., Fedotova, I.V. and Sapozhnikov, G.V. (2019) Complexometric Determination of Copper and Nickel Content in Their Simultaneous Presence in Mixed Complexes with Nitrilotris (Methylenephosphonic) Acid. Chemical Physics and Mesoscopy, 4, 589-597.
Altantawy, H., Mortada, W., Abdel-Latif, E. and Abou El-Reash, Y. (2020) Cloud Point Extraction of Copper Using 4-(2-Chloroacetamido)-Salicylic Acid as a Complexing Agent. Egyptian Journal of Chemistry, 64, 25-32. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345419668_Cloud_point_extraction_of_copper_using_4-2-chloroacetamido-salicylic_acid_as_a_complexing_agent
Xie, M., Liu, W., Hao, X., Jiang, X., Zhong, Y., Liu, T., et al. (2021) Cloud Point Extraction Combined with Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for the Determination of Copper, Iron and Zinc Using 2-(5-Bromo-2-Pyridylazo)-5-Diethylaminophenol-Tetraphenylborate Ion-Pairing Agent. Chemical Papers, 75, 5849-5859. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11696-021-01765-x
Elchishcheva, Y.B., Gorbunova, K.S. and Pavlov, P.T. (2021) Development of a Spectrophotometric Method for Determination of Ions Cu(II) C N-(2-Hydroxybenzoyl)-n’-(p-Tosil)hydrazine in Ammonia Media. Bulletin of Perm University. Chemistry, 11, 103-113. https://doi.org/10.17072/2223-1838-2021-2-103-113
Amin, A.S., Nassar, M.Y. and Gomaa, A. (2021) Utility of Solid-Phase Extraction Coupled with Spectrophotometry for a Novel Green Nano Determination of Copper(II) Using 4-((Furan-2-Ylmethylene) Amino)-5-Methyl-4h-1,2,4-Triazole-3-Thiol. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 103, 1550-1571. https://doi.org/10.1080/03067319.2021.1877281
Mammadov, P.R. (2021) New Simple Spectrophotometric Method for the Determination of Trace Level Copper(II) in Oil Water Samples. Journal of Baku Engineering University. Chemistry and Biology, 5, 123-131.
Nalawade, R.A., Nalawade, A.M., Kamble, G.S. and Anuse, M.A. (2015) Rapid, Synergistic Extractive Spectrophotometric Determination of Copper(II) by Using Sensitive Chromogenic Reagent N,N-Bis[(e)-(4-Fluorophenyl) Methylidene]Thiocarbonohydrazide. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 146, 297-306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2015.02.022
Rohani Moghadam, M., Poorakbarian Jahromi, S.M. and Darehkordi, A. (2016) Simultaneous Spectrophotometric Determination of Copper, Cobalt, Nickel and Iron in Foodstuffs and Vegetables with a New Bis Thiosemicarbazone Ligand Using Chemometric Approaches. Food Chemistry, 192, 424-431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.07.029
Gouda, A.A., Alshehri, A.M., El Sheikh, R., Hassan, W.S. and Ibrahim, S.H. (2020) Development of Green Vortex-Assisted Supramolecular Solvent-Based Liquid-Liquid Microextraction for Preconcentration of Mercury in Environmental and Biological Samples Prior to Spectrophotometric Determination. Microchemical Journal, 157, Article ID: 105108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2020.105108
Gouda, A.A. and Amin, A.S. (2014) Cloud-Point Extraction, Preconcentration and Spectrophotometric Determination of Trace Quantities of Copper in Food, Water and Biological Samples. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 120, 88-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2013.09.146
Mirzakhmedov, R.M., Madusmanova, N.K. and Smanova, Z.A. (2022) To Develop a Method of Sorption Spectroscopic Determination of Some Rare Metals in the Technological Waste Content That Is Formed in the Production of Copper. Middle European Scientific Bulletin, 23, 158-162. https://dspace.umsida.ac.id/handle/123456789/35214
Aleynikov, S.A. (2022) Sorption of Copper Ions from the Nitric Acid Solution of Electrolytic Refining of Silver with Using Chelating Resin Axionit BPA. Journal of Siberian Federal University. Chemistry, 15, 45-56. https://doi.org/10.17516/1998-2836-0270
Garoub, M. and Gouda, A. (2022) An Efficient Ionic Liquid-Based Cloud Point Extraction to Preconcentrate Mercury in Environmental Samples and Hair of Occupational Workers before Spectrophotometric Detection. Bulletin of the Chemical Society of Ethiopia, 36, 767-778. https://doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i4.4
