Chloroform extraction of metal ethyl xanthates from hydrochloric acid media

The chloroform extraction of 32 elements (Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd, Ge, Sn, Pb, V, As, Sb, Bi, Cu, Ag, Au, Mn, Re, Ga, In, Tl, Ce, Se, Te, Cr, Mo, U, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir, Ru and Os) from O.1-10M hydrochloric acid media in the presence of potassium ethyl xanthate has been studied. The oxidation states in which some elements react, and potential analytical separations, are discussed. Pd(II), As(III) and Se(IV) are completely extracted as ethyl xanthate complexes, Te(IV) is almost completely extracted, and Au(III) is largely extracted over the range of acid concentration investigated. Mn(II), Zn, Rh(III), Ir(IV), Ru(III), Os(IV), Cr(III), Cr(VI), Ce(III) and Ce(IV) are not extracted. Ge is partly extracted from 6-10M media as the chloro-complex. Depending on the acid concentration, the remaining elements are all partially extracted as xanthate complexes.