Anion-exchange separation of cadmium in organic solvent-nitric acid media

The anion-exchange separation of cadmium from zinc and aluminium in organic solvent-nitric acid mixtures was studied. The distribution coefficients of the 3 elements in various 90% organic solvcnt-10% 5 N nitric acid media were determined for Dowex I-X8 resin. A 90% ethanol-10% 5 N nitric acid medium was most satisfactory for the quantitative separation of cadmium from zinc and aluminium. The method was applied to the analysis of some copper and aluminium base alloys. Methyl glycol or acetic acid could be used instead of ethanol. Both cadmium and zinc were strongly adsorbed from a 90% propionc acid-10% 5 N nitric acid medium; separation was then effected by gradient elution.