In this study, a rapidly synergistic cloud point extraction method was used to separate and pre‐concentrate small amounts of copper ions. Synthetic ligand 4‐benzylpyridine dithiocarbamate as a complexing agent, non‐ionic surfactant (Triton X‐100) as an extractant, and octanol as a synergic reagent were used. Parameters affecting copper ion extraction such as pH, ligand concentration, octanol volume, type of diluent solvent, stirring speed and time, surfactant concentration, and the effect of ionic strength were investigated. Ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometry was used to measure the absorption of copper complex. Under optimal conditions, limit of detection, preconcentration factor, and relative standard deviation for copper were 1.4 × 10–3 μg /mL, 10 and 2.1, respectively. Also, the relative extraction efficiency of copper extraction in real samples was greater than 97%.

DOI: 10.1002/sscp.202100029 The cover picture shows the use of the rapidly synergistic cloud point extraction method. The selection of a suitable ligand (here 4‐BPDC) can lead to a low detection limit and good sensitivity in the UV/Vis spectrophotometry technique, which it is an advantage in addition to ease of operation, use of inexpensive materials and the easy access of this method for the determination of trace amounts of copper in water samples.