Anion Exchange Behavior Of Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb And Ta As Homologues Of Rf And Db In Mixed HF--Acetone Solutions

We studied in detail the sorption behavior of Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb and Ta on AG 1 anion exchange resin in HF-acetone mixed solutions as a function of organic cosolvent and acid concentrations. Anion exchange behavior was found to be strongly acetone concentration dependent. The distribution coefficients of Ti, Zr, Hf and Nb increased and those of Ta decreased with increasing content of acetone in HF solutions. With increasing HF concentration anion exchange equilibrium analysis indicated the formation of fluoride complexes of group 4 elements with charge-3 and Ta---2. For Nb the slope of-2 increased up to-5. Optimal conditions for separation of the elements using AIX chromatography were found. Group 4 elements formed MF73- (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) complexes whose sorption decreased Ti>Hf>Zr in reverse order of complex stability. This fact is of particular interest for studying ion exchange behavior of Rf compared to Ti. The advantages of studying chemical properties of Rf and Db in aqueous HF solutions mixed with organic solvents are briefly discussed.