Separation of Th(lV) in Aqueous Glycine Medium by Cation Exchange Chromatography

Chemical Laboratories, University of Allahabad, Allahabad-211 002

Through cation exchange column chromatography using Dowex 50W-X8 (Na⁺ form, 100-200 mesh) in aqueous 0.20 M glycine media, analytical conditions predicted from the distribution coefficient (K), have enabled the separation of a wide concentrationof Th(IV) from U(VI), Al(III). Cr(III), Fe(III),Ce(III), Ca(II), Sr(II), Ba(lI),MOD,Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Ag(I), Cu(II) or Ag(II). The following ternary mixtures were also resolved : Th(IV)-Cu(II)/Hg(II)/U(VI)/Al(III)/Cr(III) Fe(III)/La(III)/Ce(II)/Ca(II)/Sr(II) Ba(II)/Mn(II)/Co(II)/Ni(II)/Zn(II)/Cd (II)/Pb(II)/Ag(I). In all the separations column kinetics was found to be favourable, though the separation of Th(IV) was almost but not quite quantitative. Values of K, elution characteristics of metal ions, elution curves and results of the resolution of a number of mixtures are presented.