Optimization of VA-NADES-ME for the one-step separation and determination of rhodamine B and rhodamine 6G in red pencil samples

An environmentally friendly and simple method was developed for the simultaneous separation and determination of Rhodamine B (RhB) and Rhodamine 6 G (Rh6G) in red pencil samples by vortex assisted microextraction using NADES (Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent). A two-phase system was established using lactic acid-based DES (Deep Eutectic Solvent) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) for the extraction of RhB and Rh6G. In method optimization, sample amount, pH, DES type, DES volume, solvent type and solvent volume parameters were investigated. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values were 4.13, 5.03 and 12.5, 15.3 µg/mL for RhB and Rh6G, respectively. The correlation coefficients obtained at concentrations ranging from 1–12 µg/mL are 0.9973 and 0.9985. Red pencil samples were spiked at two different concentrations (3–5 µg/mL). The recovery values obtained were in the range of 84.7%-107.4%. The relative standard deviation (RSD) values of the developed method are in the range of 2.77%-5.45%, indicating that the method is reproducible. The results showed that the developed microextraction method can be success fully applied for the separation and determination of RhB and Rh6G from red pencil samples.