A new method for analysis of sunset yellow in food samples based on cloud point extraction prior to spectrophotometric determination

A simple new micelle mediated preconcentration method was developed for analysis of sunset yellow (SY) prior to its spectrophotometric determination. The method was based upon cloud point extraction of the ion associate of SY and trioctylamine (TOA) in HCl–Triton X-100. In the surfactant phase the SY species react with TOA yielding hydrophobic ion associate of SY−·TOA+. The distribution coefficient of SY between surfactant-rich phase and aqueous phase was approximately 104. Validation was tested by comparing the results with standard HPLC. Isotherm and thermodynamic parameters, chemical equilibrium, extraction constants and stiochiometry of the associate were assigned.