Extraction of trace amounts of cerium(III) by oxides of amines and its separation from cerium(IV)

The solvent extraction of cerium(III) from nitric, hydrochloric and sulphuric acid solutions by 4-(5-nonyl)pyridine oxide and trioctylamine oxide in xylene has been studied. The influence of the concentration of the solvents and salting-out agents is described. From the results of partition experiments attempts have been made to deduce the nature of the extracted species. The investigation shows that cerium(III) can be separated from cerium(IV) from very dilute solutions of mineral acids and also from moderate nitric acid media.