The solvent extraction of Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) with benzil mono(2-quinolyl)hydrazone

Benzil mono(2-quinolyl)hydrazone, BmQH, has been studied as an extracting agent for Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II). Though the uncomplexed ligand remains undissociated in the pH range 3.5-10, it can lose a proton on complexation with metals, owing to the electron-withdrawing effects of neighbouring groups. The dependence of degree of extraction on pH indicates that complexes of both Cu(2+) and Cu(OH)(+) are extracted. Cu(BmQH)(2) and Cu(OH)BmQH species are extracted into MIBK, and the Cu(OH)BmQH complex is extracted into benzene. In the vicinity of pH 5.5-6, extraction efficiencies greater than 95% can be achieved with both solvents. Both Ni(II) and Co(II) also show dependence of extraction on pH, but precipitation of both metals in the vicinity of pH 6 limits further studies.