COMPLEXING PROPERTIES OF DIPHONIX, A NEW CHELATING RESIN WITH DIPHOSPHONATE LIGANDS, TOWARD GA(III) AND IN(III)

The complexing properties of Diphonix, a new chelating ion-exchange re sin, toward indium and gallium cations was investigated. Variables inc luded bead size, contact time, solution pH, and the presence of compet ing cations. The resin, which contains diphosphonic acid ligands, disp layed rapid rates of complexation and high selectivity under acidic co nditions. Metal uptake from 1 M sulfuric acid solution under continuou s flow conditions was 0.47 mmol/g (33.0 mg/g) for gallium and 0.76 mmo l/g (87.8 mg/g) for indium. The resin may be regenerated by elution wi th 1-hydroxyethane-1, 1-diphosphonic acid or hydrochloric acid.