Separation of rhenium and molybdenum by reversed phase chromatography

Distribution ratios are given for the extraction of rhenium and molybdenum from aqueous solution of sulfuric acid into tributyl phosphate. On the basis of the results obtained, a method is presented for the quantitative separation of those elements by reversed phase liquid-liquid partition chromatography. The column with 10 ml in inside diameter packed with 3 g of Flusin T impregnated with 3 ml of tributyl phosphate and equilibrated with 20 ml of 2 N H2SO4. Molybdenum is eluted with 20 ml of 2 N H2SO4 and rhenium is eluted with 20 ml of distilled water. The eluate is readily adapted to the colorimetric determination of rhenium by the thiocyanate method or the thiourea method. The separation method was applied to the determination of rhenium in molybednite concentrates and a flue dust from molybdenite roaster. The method is also applicable to industrial recovery of rhenium from the flue dust or the washings of roasting gases.