LIQUID - LIQUID EXTRACTION OF GALLIUM(m) FROM ACIDIC NITRATE MEDIA WITH BIS(2-ETHYLHEXYL) PHOSPHINIC ACID IN TOLUENE

ABSTRACT

The distribution equilibria of gallium(III) between bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphinic acid dissolved in toluene and acidic aqueous nitrate media has been investigated as a function of the concentration of extractant in organic phase and concentration of hydrogen ion and gallium(III) ion in aqueous phase. The extraction characteristics of bis(2-ethythexyl) phosphinic acid are compared with that of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid to get further information. The stoichometry of the extracted species is determined on the basis of slope analysis and IR spectra. Gallium is extracted by a cation exchange mechanism as GaRs₃ by bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphinic acid and as GaRs₃-HR by bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid. Temperature dependence of the extraction equilibrium is examined by temperature variation method. Both extraction processes are endothermic in nature and increase in temperature is favorable.

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Purahottam M. Dhadke

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