CHROMATOGRAPHIC STUDIES OF THORIUM(IV) AND ITS EXTRACTION FROM MONAZITE SAND

A simple, rapid and selective method has been developed for reversed p hase extraction chromatographic studies of Th-IV with high molecular m ass monocarboxylic acid (C-15-C-16), SRS-100 as a stationary phase on a column of silica gel. Quantitative extraction of Th-IV has been achi eved in the pH range 4.8-5.5, The extracted Th-IV has been stripped wi th 1 : 1 (v/v) mixture of 0.2 M HNO3 and 0.2 M NaNO3 and estimated spe ctrophotometrically. The effect of variables as pH, stripping agents, flow fate on extraction and elution have been studied. Th-IV has been separated from various commonly associated elements in binary and Synt hetic multicomponent mixtures. The method has been applied successfull y for the ex-traction of thorium from monazite sand.