Selective extraction of palladium(II) with theophylline derivatives

Theophylline derivatives with some kinds of alkyl chains were synthesized and used in extraction experiments involving metal ions. Theophylline derivatives have exhibited a high selectivity for palladium over other precious metals and base metals. The extraction of palladium from acidic chloride media has been investigated using theophylline derivatives (= RN) as extractants. Palladium(II) was found to be extracted with 7-octyltheophylline according to the following reaction: PdCl2 + 2RN <==> PdCl2(RN)2. The extraction equilibrium constant was determined to be K = 2.67 x 10(8) ( moldm(-3))(-2). In addition, the stripping of palladium was performed to an extent of 100% by a single batchwise treatment with a 1.0 mol dm(-3) ammonia solution. The stoichiometric relation in the extraction of palladium was supported by an analysis using mass spectrometry.