Solvent extraction of Au(III) using 2-mercaptobenzimidazole into n-butanol

A method has been developed for the extraction of Au(III) with 2-mercaptobenzimidazole into n-butanol.¹⁹⁹Au has been used as a tracer for establishing the ideal extraction parameters such as effect of pH, time of equilibration, solvents and anions. Separation factor and decontamination factor have also been evaluated to determine the selectivity of the method with respect to various elements. The interfering elements were suppressed by the use of suitable masking agents which increased the selectivity. The stoichiometry of metal to reagent was determined by the method of substoichiometric extraction and slope ratio method.