Solvation of thiocyanate complexes of tungsten(VI) by 5-(4-pyridyl) nonane from aqueous hydrochloric acid solutions

5-(4-Pyridyl)nonane has been evaluated as a solvent for trace amounts (<5·10^–5 M) of tungsten(VI) from aqueous chloride-thiocyanate solutions. Remarkable enhancements in metal extractability are observed on the addition of SCN^– to aqueous hydrochloric acid solutions. Extremal partition coefficients are obtained from 0.1 M HCl in 0.2 M KSCN. Diminutions of the metal extractability are produced by relatively high (>0.5 M) SCN^– concentrations and increased concentration of the supporting acid. Slope analysis data, under optimal parameters, indicates the most probable composition of the extractable species as WO₂(SCN)₂·2P_YN. Neutral anions do not have any significant effect on the D values. Behaviour of a number of metal ions has been checked using optimal aqueous conditions of extraction. The investigation shows that the reagent has a great potential for the preconcentration of a number of metal ions including the common toxins.