Quantitative separation of beryllium from magnesium,calcium, aluminium,iron and other elements by cation-exchange chromatography in nitric acid-methanol

Beryllium is separated from Mg, Ca, Mn(II), Fe(III), Al, Co(II). Zn. U(VI), La and Gd by elution with 2.0 M nitric acid in 70 % methanol from a column of AG50W-X8 sulphonated polystyrene cation exchanger, while the other elements are retained quantitatively. Sr, Ba, Sc, Y, the other lanthanides, Zr, Hf, Th, Ga, In, Cd and Ni(II) should also be separated according to their distribution coefficients or elution behaviour. Separations are sharp and recoveries quantitative from millimolar amounts down to 10 μg of beryllium. The separation of Ti(IV) and Cu(II) from beryllium is not satisfactory and requires rather large columns. Bi(III), Pb(II), Hg(II) and the alkali metals are eluted together with beryllium, but can be separated by other methods. Typical elution curves and results for the quantitative separation of binary synthetic mixtures are presented.     

Quantitative separation of calcium from magnesium,aluminium, iron(III) and many other elements by cation-exchange chromatography in methanolic hydrochloric acid on a macroporous resin

Calcium can be separated from Mg, Al, Cu(II), Fe(III), Ga, Zn, Mn(II), Co(II), U(VI) and Ti(IV) by cation-exchange chromatography on a column of AG MP-50 macroporous resin. Sr, Ba, Sc, Y, the lanthanides, Zr, Hf and Th are retained together with calcium. The separation factor for the Ca—Mg pair in 3 M HCl containing 50% methanol is about 20 which is considerably larger than those obtained by other ion-exchange procedures. Separations with the cation-exchange resin are sharp and quantitative. A column containing only 2 g (5.4ml) of resin is sufficient to separate up to 0.2 mmol of calcium from 2 mmol of magnesium and larger amounts of Fe(III), Cu(II) and Zn. On a 10-g column, up to 2.5 mmol of calcium can be separated easily from similar and larger amounts of other elements. Distribution coefficients for calcium and magnesium with variation of cross-linkage and variation of methanol concentration are presented, together with relevant elution curves and results for synthetic mixtures.     

Selective and quantitative separation of zinc and lead from other elements by cation-exchange chromatography in hydrohalic acid-acetone solutions

Zinc and lead can be separated from Cd, Bi(III), In and V(V) by eluting these elements with 0.2M hydrochloric acid in 60% acetone from a column of AG50W-X8 cation-exchange resin, zinc and lead being retained. Mercury(II), Tl(III), As(III), Au(III), Sn(IV), Mo(VI), W(VI) and the platinum metals have not been investigated quantitatively, but from their distribution coefficients, should also be eluted. Vanadium(V), Mo(VI) and W(VI) require the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Zinc and lead can be eluted with 0.5M hydrochloric acid in 60% acetone or 0.5M hydrobromic acid in 65% acetone and determined by AAS; the alkali and alkaline-earth metal ions, Mn(II), Co, Ni, Cu(II), Fe(III), Al, Ga, Cr(III), Ti(IV), Zr, Hf, Th, Sc, Y, La and the lanthanides are retained on the column, except for a small fraction of copper eluted with zinc and lead. Separations are sharp and quantitative. The method has successfully been applied to determination of zinc and lead in three silicate rocks and a sediment.     

Selective separation of uranium from other elements by cation-exchange chromatography in hydrobromic acid and hydrochloric acid-acetone mixtures

U(VI) can be separated from Ga, Fe(III), Bi, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu(II) and Au(III) by quantitative elution with 0.50M HBr in 86% acetone or with 0.35M HBr in 90% acetone from a column of AG50W-X4 cation-exchange resin of 200-400 mesh particle size. U(VI) and many other ions are retained. U(VI) then can be eluted selectively with 0.50M HCl in 83% acetone or with 0.35M HCl in 85% acetone. Co(II), Mn(II), Mg, Ca, Ti(IV), Al, Zr, Th and La are quantitatively retained by the column. These elements then can be eluted with 5M HNO(3). At the higher acid concentration (0.50M) the separation between U(VI) and Li is not satisfactory but is excellent at the lower acid concentration; the U(VI) peak is sharper at the higher acid concentration. Separations are sharp and quantitative, as is demonstrated by results for some synthetic mixtures. Distribution coefficients and elution curves are presented.     

Quantitative separation of lanthanides and scandium from barium,strontium and other elements by cation-exchange chromatography in nitric acid

The lanthanides plus yttrium and scandium are separated from Ba, Sr, Ca, Mg, Pb(II), Bi(III), Zn, Mn(II) and U(VI) by eluting these elements with 2.0 M nitric acid from a column of AG50W-X8 cation exchange resin (200-400 mesh). The lanthanides are retained and can then be eluted with 4 M nitric or hydrochloric acid. Separations are quantitative and applicable to microgram and millimolar amounts of the lanthanides and the other elements. Elements such as Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cd. Hg(II), T1(I). Ag, Be, Ti(IV) and the alkali metals should accompany barium quantitatively according to their known distribution coefficients. Relevant elution curves and results of analysis of synthetic mixtures are presented.     

Quantitative separation of gold from cadmium, indium, zinc and other elements by cation-exchange chromatography in hydrochloric acid-acetone medium

Gold(III) can be separated from Cd, In. Zn, Ni, Cu(II), Mn(II), Co(II), Mg, Ca, Al, Fe(III), Ga and U(VI) by adsorbing these elements on a column of AG50W-X8 sulphonated polystyrene cation-exchange resin from 0.1M HCl containing 60% v v acetone, while Au(III) passes through and can be eluted with the same reagent. Separations are sharp and quantitative. The amounts of gold retained by the resin are between 1 and 2 orders of magnitude lower than encountered during adsorption from aqueous 0.1M HCl. Recoveries for mg amounts of gold are 99.9% or better and for ng amounts are still better than 99%, as shown by radioactive tracer methods. Hg(II), Bi, Sn(IV), the platinum metals and some elements which tend to form oxy-anions in dilute acid accompany gold. All other elements, though not investigated in detail, should be retained, according to their known distribution coefficients. Relevant elution curves, results of quantitative separations of binary mixtures and of recovery tests are presented.     

Selective separation of chromium from other elements by ion-exchange-II Anion- and cation-exchange in oxalic acid solutions

The kinetic inertness of the chromium(III) aquo-ion towards substitution reactions with oxalate has been exploited for selective separation of chromium from other elements. Most transition elements, with the notable exception of chromium, react rapidly with oxalate, and may be sorbed on a strongly basic anion-exchange resin as anionic oxalato complexes. On the other hand chromium sorbed on a cation-exchange resin is not eluted with oxalic acid solutions. This permits separation of chromium from elements which react rapidly with oxalate.     

Selective separation of indium from zinc, lead, gallium and many other elements by cation-exchange chromatography in hydrohalic acid-acetone medium

Indium can be separated from Zn, Pb(II), Ga, Ca, Be, Mg, Ti(IV), Mn(II), Fe(III), Al, U(VI), Na, Ni(II) and Co(II) by selective elution with 0.50M hydrochloric acid in 30% aqueous acetone from a column of AG50W-X8 cation-exchange resin, all the other elements being retained by the column. Lithium is included in the elements retained by the column when 0.35M hydrochloric acid in 45% aqueous acetone is used for eluting indium, but the elution of indium is slightly retarded. Ba, Sr, Zr, Hf, Th, Sc, Y, La and the lanthanides, Rb and Cs should also be retained according to their distribution coefficients. Cd, Bi(III), Au(III), Pt(IV), Pd(II), Rh(III), Mo(VI) and W(VI) can be eluted with 0.20M hydrobromic acid in 50% aqueous acetone before the elution of indium, and Ir(III), Ir(IV), As(III), As(V), Se(IV), Tl(III), Hg(II), Ge(IV), Sb(III) and Sb(V), though not investigated in detail, should accompany these elements. Relevant distribution coefficients and elution curves and results for analyses of synthetic mixtures of indium with other elements are presented.     

Quantitative separation of traces of lead,cadmium and many other elements from gram amounts of thallium by cation-exchange chromatography

Traces of lead and minor amounts up to 20 mg, can be separated from gram amounts of thallium by cation-exchange chromatography on a column containing only 2 g of AG50W-X4 resin. Thallium passes through the column in 0.1 M HCl in 40% acetone. The retained lead can be eluted with 3 M HCl or HNO₃. Other elements, including Cd, Zn, In, Ga, Cu(II), Fe(III). Mn(II), Co(II). Ni(II), U(VI) and Al, are retained quantitatively with lead. Only Hg(II), Au(III), the platinum metals, bismuth and elements forming oxyanions accompanying thallium. Results for the determination of trace elements in 99.999% pure thallium are presented.     

Anion-exchange separation of gallium from indium,thallium, aluminium and other elements in malonic acid

Summary Systematic studies of gallium on Dowex-21K in malonate media are reported. On the basis of the value of the elution constant (E) it was separated from large number of metal ions. By selective sorption it was separated from the alkalis, alkaline earths, bismuth, thallium (I), mercury (II), iron (II) and germanium (IV). With water as eluant it was separated from cobalt, nickel, zinc, manganese and palladium, with ammonium chloride it was possible to separate it from copper, iron and vanadium, and with a specific eluant it was separated from lead and zirconium. Finally the sequential separation of gallium from thallium, aluminium and indium was accomplished.     

Separation of nickel from other elements by cation-exchange chromatography in dimethylglyoxime/hydrochloric acid/acetone media

Nickel can be separated from Zn, Co, Cu(II), Mn(II), Fe(III), U(VI) and other elements which readily form chloro complex ions, by eluting them with 0.5 M HCl/93% acetone from AG50W-X4 resin. Nickel is then eluted selectivity with 0.5 M HCl/95% acetone containing 0.1 M dimethylglyoxime, while the alkali and alkaline-earth elements, Al, Ti(IV), Sc, Y, La, lanthanides, Zr, Hf and Th are still retained. Separations are sharp and quantitative.     

Separation of lithium from sodium,beryllium and other elements by cation-exchange chromatography in nitric acid-methanol

Lithium can be separated from sodium, beryllium and many other elements by eluting lithium with 1 M nitric acid in 80% methanol from a column of AG50W-X8 sulphonated polystyrene cation-exchange resin. The separation factor is not quite as large as that in 1 M hydrochloric acid in 80% methanol, but many elements, such as Zn, Cd, In, Pb(II), Bi(III) and Fe(III), which form chloride complexes in 1 M HCl-80% methanol are retained quantitatively together with Na, Be, Mg, Ca, Mn(II), Al, Ti(IV), U(VI), and many other elements, when 1 M HNO3-80% methanol is used for elution of lithium. A method for the accurate determination of traces of lithium in rock samples is described, and some results obtained are presented together with relevant distribution coefficients, elution curves and results for the analysis of synthetic mixtures.     

The separation of silver from mixtures by cation-exchange chromatography

Summary The cation-exchange behaviour of milligram amounts of silver on Dowex 50 W-X 8 has been studied, with nitric acid, sulphuric acid, ammonium acetate, ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, citric acid, tartaric acid, and acetic acid as eluents. A volume of 200–300 ml of 3M nitric acid, sulphuric acid, ammonium acetate, ammonium nitrate, or sodium nitrate was adequate for quantitative removal of 26 mg of silver from a 1.4×19 cm column of resin. Methods are described for the separation of silver from Ce, Zr, Th, Bi, and Fe by conversion of these elements into anionic complexes; from Cu, U, Al, and Zn by selective elution with nitric acid; from Ba, Sr, Sb, and As by elution with specific eluents.

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Zusammenfassung Das Verhalten von Milligrammengen Silber am Kationenaustauscher Dowex 50 W-X 8 bei Verwendung von Salpetersäure, Schwefelsäure, Ammoniumacetat, Ammoniumnitrat, Natriumnitrat, Zitronensäure, Weinsäure und Essigsäure als Eluenten wurde untersucht. 200 bis 300 ml 3-m Salpetersäure, Schwefelsäure, Ammoniumacetat, Ammoniumnitrat oder Natriumnitrat waren hinreichend für die quantitative Elution von 26 mg Silber aus einer Harzsäule von 1,4×19 cm. Methoden zur Trennung des Silbers von Ce, Zr, Th, Bi und Fe durch Überführung dieser Elemente in Komplexanionen wurden beschrieben. Die Trennung von Cu, U, Al und Zn gelingt durch selektive Elution mit Salpetersäure, von Ba, Sr, Sb und As durch Elution mit spezifischen Eluenten.

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Résumé On a étudié le comportement de quantités d'argent de l'ordre du milligramme du point de vue échange cationique sur Dowex 50 W-X 8, avec différents éluants: acide nitrique, acide sulfurique, acétate d'ammonium, nitrate d'ammonium, nitrate de sodium, acide citrique, acide tartrique et acide acétique. Un volume de 200–300 ml d'acide nitrique 3M, d'acide sulfurique, d'acétate d'ammonium, de nitrate d'ammonium ou de nitrate de sodium est nécessaire pour l'élimination quantitative de 26 mg d'argent d'une colonne en résine de 1,4×19 cm. On décrit des méthodes de séparation de l'argent d'avec Ce, Zr, Th, Bi et Fe par conversion de ces éléments en complexes anioniques; d'avec Cu, U, Al et Zn par élution sélective par l'acide nitrique; d'avec Ba, Sr, Sb et As par élution avec des éluants spécifiques.

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We wish to thank Dr.R. A. Chalmers for helpful discussion and suggestions.     

Quantitative separation of gallium from zinc, copper, indium, iron(III) and other elements by cation-exchange chromatography in hydrobromic acid-acetone medium

Gallium can be separated from Zn, Cu(II), In, Cd, Pb(II), Bi(III), Au(III), Pt(IV), Pd(II), Tl(III), Sn(IV) and Fe(III) by elution of these elements with 0.50M hydrobromic acid in 80% acetone medium, from a column of AG50W-X4 cation-exchange resin. Gallium is retained and can be eluted with 3M hydrochloric acid. Separations are sharp and quantitative except for iron(III) which shows extensive tailing. With 0.20M hydrobromic acid in 80% acetone as eluting agent, all the species above except iron(III) and copper(II) can be separated from gallium with very large separation factors. Only a 1-g resin column and small elution volumes are required to separate trace amounts and up to 0.5 mmole of gallium from more than 1 g of zinc or the other elements. Hg(II), Rh(III), Ir(IV), Se(IV), Ge(IV), As(III) and Sb(III) have not been investigated, but should be separated together with zinc according to their known distribution coefficients. Relevant elution curves, results for the analysis of synthetic mixtures and for amounts of some elements remaining in the gallium fraction are presented.     

Separation of tervalent rare earths and scandium from aluminium, iron(iii), titanium(iv), and other elements by cation-exchange chromatography in hydrochloric acid-ethanol

Tervalent rare earths and Sc are separated from the silicate-forming elements Al, Fe(III), Mg and Ti(IV), and also from Mn(II), U(VI), Be, Ga, In(III), Tl(III), Bi(III), Ni, Zn, Cu(II), Cd and Pb by cation-exchange chromatography. The other elements are eluted with 3.0 M HC1 containing 50% ethanol from a column of 60 ml of AG50W-X8 resin (200-400 mesh) while the rare earths are retained. Separation factors are larger than in aqueous hydrochloric acid. Th, Zr, Hf, Ba, Sr, Ca, K, and Rb are the only elements which accompany the rare earths group, but these can easily be separated by other methods which are described. Relevant distribution coefficients, elution curves and accurate results of quantitative separations of synthetic mixtures are presented.     

Improved separation of cadmium from indium,zinc, gallium and other elements by anion-exchange chromatography in hydrobromic nitric acid mixtures

The separation of cadmium from indium, zinc and many other elements is considerably improved by eluting these elements with 0.1 M hydrobromic–0.5 M nitric acid solution from a column of AG1-X8 resin. Cadmium is retained very strongly and can be eluted with 2 M nitric acid or 1 M ammonia–0.2 M ammonium nitrate solution. Separations are sharp and quantitative and from microgram amounts up to 2 g of indium and zinc are separated from amounts of cadmium ranging from micrograms up to 100 mg on a 2-g (4.6 ml) resin column. Ga(II), Fe(III). Mn(II), Co(II), U(VI) and Ni(II) can be separated quantitatively from cadmium in the same way. The behaviour of numerous elements is discussed, with special attention to lead, and relevant elution curves and results from the analysis of synthetic mixtures are presented.     

Separation of copper(II) from uranium(VI) and many other elements by cation-exchange chromatography in acetone-hydrobromic acid media: Improved selective separation of copper

Co(II), Ni(II), Mn(II), Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ti(IV), V(IV), Zr, Hf, Th, Al, Sc, Y, La, the lanthanides and also U(VI), which accompany copper(II) in hydrochloric acid-acetone mixtures, can be separated from copper by eluting copper(II) with 0.50 M hydrobromic acid in 85% acetone from a column of AG 50W-X8 resin, 200–400 mesh, while all these elements are retained by the column quantitatively. Separations are sharp and quantitative, as is demonstrated by results for some synthetic mixtures. Some relevant elution curves are presented.     

Separation of trace amounts of indium, gallium and aluminium from each other by cation-exchange chromatography on AG50-X4 resin

Traces and minor amounts of indium, gallium and aluminium can be separated from gram amounts of thallium and from each other by cation-exchange chromatography on a column containing as little as 2 g of AG50W-X4, a cation-exchange resin with low cross-linking. An elution sequence of 0.1 M HBr in 40% acetone [for Tl(III)], 0.2M HBr in 80% acetone for In, 0.3M HCl in 90% acetone for Ga and 3M aqueous HCl for Al is used. The separations are very sharp and even 10-mug amounts of In, Ga and Al in synthetic mixtures are recovered quantitatively, with a standard deviation of 0.3 mug. The separation factors between neighbouring ions are extremely large (> 5000).     

Separation of trivalent rare earths plus sc(iii) from al,ga,in,tl, fe,ti, u and other elements by cation-exchange chromatography

A method is presented for the quantitative separation of the trivalent rare earths plus Sc(III) as a group from Al(III), Ga(III), In(III), Tl(III), Fc(III). Ti(IV), U(VI), Be(II). Mn(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II). Zn(II). and Cd(II). These elements can be eluted from a cation-exchange column with 1.75 N HCl, while the rare earth group elements are retained. Numerous other elements not investigated have low distribution coefficients in 1.75 N HCl and therefore should be separated by the same procedure; Th(IV) is retained by the column when the rare earths are elutcd with 3.0 N HCl. The only elements which partially accompany the rare earths plus Sc(III) are Zr(IV), Hf(IV), Sr(II), and Ba(II) ; these have to be separated by special procedures. The method is suitable for accurate reference analysis over a wide range of concentrations.