NITROGEN REAGENTS IN METAL-ION SEPARATION .7. THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL COPPER(II) EXTRACTANT

It is illustrated how basic chemistry knowledge can be applied to deve lop a novel separating agent for copper(II) in the form of 1-decylimid azole. Its high extraction efficiency for Cu2+ in an acidic dilute chl oride medium was illustrated. A comparative study was made with a know n substituted pyridine extractant. The role of the higher sigma donici ty of the aromatic nitrogen atom of the imidazole derivative as compar ed to that of the nitrogen atom of the pyridine derivative resulting i n the much higher extraction efficiency of the former when compared un der comparable conditions, is illustrated. The conditions for effectiv e extraction and back extraction are described.