Study on the interaction between albendazole and eosin Y by fluorescence, resonance Rayleigh scattering and frequency doubling scattering spectra and their analytical applications

•A convenient, rapid and sensitive RRS method has been developed for albendazole detection.•The RRS method was applied successfully to the determination of albendazole in capsules and urine.•The detection limit for albendazole reached nanogram level.•The possible mechanism for the RRS enhancement of EY–ABZ system was discussed.

In pH 3.25–3.35 Britton–Robinson (BR) buffer solution, albendazole (ABZ) could react with eosin Y (EY) to form a 1:1 ion-association complex, which not only results in the quenching of fluorescence, but also resulted in the great enhancement of resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) and frequency doubling scattering (FDS). Furthermore, a new RRS spectrum will appear, and the maximum RRS wavelength was located at about 356 nm. The detection limit for ABZ were 21.51 ng mL−1 for the fluorophotometry, 6.93 ng mL−1 for the RRS method and 12.89 ng mL−1 for the FDS method. Among them, the RRS method had the highest sensitivity. The experimental conditions were optimized and effects of coexisting substances were evaluated. Meanwhile, the influences of coexisting substances were tested. The methods have been successfully applied to the determination of ABZ in capsules and human urine samples. The composition and structure of the ion-association complex and the reaction mechanism were discussed.

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