Kinetics of ion-pair extraction in continuous flow systems

Kinetic aspects of ion-pair extraction in continuous-flow systems have been studied. Processes have been developed by using a new methodology based on reversal of the flow direction for a preselected number of cycles and on contiuous monitoring at the detector of a plug of organic phase inserted into a carrier stream (aqueous phase) by means of a conventional injection valve. The configuration used required none of the units typically associated with this separation technique. The information obtained, with clear kinetic connotations, can also be exploited for analytical purposes. The behaviour of different ion pairs formed between ferroin and 23 anionic counter ions has been studied. Individual and joint kinetic determinations of these anions from kinetic parameters are proposed.