Extraction and separation of mercury from toxic elements arsenic,cadmium, antimony and thallium,and other metal ions

Extraction of mercury with 3-methyl-1-phenyl-4-trifluoroacetyl-pyrazolin-5-one /FAP/ in chloroform has been described. Maximum extraction /97.3%/ and a distribution coefficient /D/ of 36.5 have been achieved at pH 8. Among the anions tested, thiourea, thiosulphate and cyanide mask the extraction of mercury. Solution of O. 2M KCN was found most suitable stripping agent for mercury. Decontamination data show that mercury can be separated from toxic elements arsenic, cadmium, antimony and thallium; and from other metal ions i. e. Ga/III/, In/III/, Ge/IV/, Sn/II/, Fe/II/, Ir/IV/ and Pt/IV/. A few separations of analytical and radiochemical importance have been discussed.