How is iron(II) measured using 1,10-phenanthroline in spectrochemical analysis?

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In spectrochemical analysis, 1,10-phenanthroline is used to measure iron(II) because the iron ion itself may not absorb strongly enough in the ultraviolet-visible spectral region for precise detection.1

To perform this analysis, 1,10-phenanthroline is added to the solution as a complexing agent. It reacts with the iron(II) to form a red-colored complex that absorbs light strongly in the ultraviolet-visible range. By measuring the absorption of this reaction product, scientists can accurately determine the concentration of the iron(II) present in the sample, even when the amounts are very small.1