Thin layer chromatographic study of bauxite and quantitative estimation of co-existing Al3+, Fe2+ and Ti4+

Thin layer chromatography in combination with spectrophotometry and titrimetry has been used to evaluate chromatographic characteristics of bauxite constituents. The retention behaviors of four major constituents (Al3+, Fe2+, Ti4+, Si4+) in bauxite mineral have been examined on plain and modified layers of silica gel G, silica gel H and cellulose with mobile phases containing aqueous sodium chloride, formic acid and hydrochloric acid. Ternary separation of Al-Fe-Ti was achieved on chromatographic plates made of silica gel H. The pH effect and presence of impurity elements in samples, nature of stationary phases on the ternary separation and detection limits of bauxite constituents were studied. Silicon in bauxite was detected on cellulose plates. Quantitative determinations of Al3+, Fe2+ and Ti4+ on silica gel H impregnated with sodium formate layers were achieved by titrimetry and spectrophotometry.