A new method for the extraction of Hg(II) with thioethylacetoacetate into chloroform

A rapid method for the solvent extraction of Hg(II) into chloroform has been developed, employing thioethylacetoacetate (HETAcAc) as a extracting agent. The extraction of Hg(II) was better than 99% over the pH range 0.3 to 7.3. The extraction equilibrium was reached within 2 min. The effect of various parameters such as anions and cations, solvent effect, etc., on the extraction coefficient has been studied. The stoichiometry metal: reagent was determined by the method of substoichiometric extraction and was found to be 14.