Spectrophotometric studies and application on the beta-type complex of Y-CPApK

The beta-type complex formed between yttrium and p-carboxychlorophosphonazo (CPApK) has been studied. It was found that Y-CPApK complex can give a maximum absorptivity in a buffer media of HAc-NaAc ranging from pH 3.5-4.3 and at a wavelength of 732 nm. Under the conditions employed, the molar absorptivity was found to be 7.72x10(4) l mol(-1) cm(-1) and the molar ratio of Y-CPApK was 1:2. The linear range was within 2-16 mug of yttrium in 25 ml solution. One of the characteristics of the complex was its high tolerance for calcium and hence a method of separation and enrichment of microamounts of yttrium by using calcium oxalate precipitate was developed and applied to measure yttrium in nickel-base alloys. The parameters which were related to the formation of the beta-type complex of Y-CPApK were discussed and a comparison of existing beta-type complexes between yttrium and the chlorophosphonazo reagents of chromotropic acid was made.