Correlation between the acid properties of chelating polymeric sorbents and the pH(50) of formation of complexes with uranium(VI), thorium(IV), and cerium(III)

The acid and complexing properties of ortho derivatives of polystyrene-azo- benzeneiminodiacetic acid, newly synthesized chelating polymeric sorbents ( CPSs), were examined. Correlation relations between the pK(1) of the analyt ical functional group (AFG) of the sorbent and the PH50 of chemisorption we re found for uranium, thorium, and cerium in order to study the effect of t he acid properties and structural details of the AFG of the sorbent on the parameters of UO22+, Th4(+), and Ce3(+) sorption. These relations allow for the prediction of the physicochemical parameters of sorbents and chemisorp tion. They also allow for the target-directed synthesis, choice, and applic ation of chelating sorbents to the separation and concentration of trace ur anium, thorium, and cerium from complex solutions and environmental objects .