An extraction study of gallium, indium and thallium using TPASO as an extractant

A method is proposed for the extraction and individual separation of trivalent gallium, indium and thallium from salicylate media using triphenylarsine oxide dissolved in toluene as an extractant. The optimum extraction conditions are evaluated and described. The extracted metal ions are stripped and estimated spectrophotometrically following complexation with 4-(2-pyridylazo) resorcinol. A possible mechanism of the extraction is discussed. The method permits rapid and precise individual separation of gallium (III), indium (III) and thallium (III) and is applicable to the analysis of alloy samples.