The spectroscopic properties and capability of a new and selective complex of Ti-Plumbagin for analyzing titanium in sand samples

•A novel Ti (PLB)2 complex is synthesised and its structure is determined.•The Fluorescence mechanism of complex was explained by DFT theory calculation.•The fluorescence complex Ti(PLB)2 emits and excites light at wavelengths of 605 nm and 500 nm, respectively.•The binding constant K = 3.98 × 10+4 is calculated, and the complex is extremely selective for Ti (4+)•A novel method to analyse Ti that is based on the complex of Ti (PLB)2 by Fluorescence spectroscopy with high selectivity and sensitivity.