Two-phase potentiometric metal extraction titrations of silver(I), copper(II) and cadmium(II) using some cation-exchangers as extractants

The use of two-phase potentiometric metal extraction titrations to study solvent extraction equilibria is described. The method provides a highly reproducible and convenient manner by which to determine extraction behaviour. The system was tested on a number of acidic extractants, namely D2EHPA, Ionquest 801, Cyanex 272, naphthenic acid and Versatic 10 acid. The extraction from an aqueous nitrate medium of silver(I), copper(II) and cadmium(II) was studied. The potentiometric data were used to obtain extraction curves and elucidate the nature of the extracted complexes by slope analysis and non-linear least squares treatment. In general, the following extraction order was obtained: D2EHPA > Ionquest 801 > Cyanex 272 and naphthenic > Versatic 10 for copper(II) and cadmium(II). Organophosphorus acids were shown to form complexes of the nature of Cu(HA2)2 with copper(II) and carboxylic acids formed dimeric complexes (CuA2(HA))2. With cadmium octahedral complexes of the form CdA2(HA)4 occurred. The extraction of silver(I) by Versatic 10 gave a dimeric complex (AgA(HA))2. HA denotes the extractant in the acid form.