The simultaneous determination of copper and nickel by solvent extraction and gas-liquid chromatography with bis (acetylpivalylmethane) ethylenediimine as reagent

The copper(II), nickel(II) and palladium(II) chelates of the bridged β-ketoamine, bis(acetylpivalylmethane) ethylenediimine, are described. The copper and nickel complexes are readily extracted by cyclohexane at pH 8.0 from aqueous solution. The gas chromatographic separation of the copper and palladium, the nickel and palladium, and the copper and nickel chelates is reported on a silicone gum rubber phase (E-350) supported on Universal B at 285°C. Optimal conditions for the complete separation of copper and nickel are reported; the solvent extraction—gas chromatographic procedures are applied to the determination of the individual metal ions (limit of detection, 1 ng) and to the simultaneous determination of copper and nickel in solution and in alloy samples. A rapid method for the determination of copper in domestic water samples is also described.