Reversed-phase column extractive separation of germanium with bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid

Germanium was quantitatively extracted from 6–10 M hydrochloric acid on a silica gel column coated with bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid and stripped with various acids. Germanium was then determined spectrophotometrically as its complex with phenylfluorone. Germanium was effectively separated from large numbers of main group and transition elements. The determination of germanium in fly ash by the proposed method is reported.