Extraction separation of 86Rb from 85Sr in trace level with 18-crown-6 in nitrobenzene

A liquid-liquid extraction separation procedure has been developed for the separation of trace amounts of neutron activated rubidium and strontium from their mixture in 0.1M perchloric acid medium using 0.04M 18-crown-6 in nitrobenzene as the extractant. Separation factor for Rb/Sr was found approximately 3 x 103. Gamma-radiation stability of the extractant (up to 1.5 x 104 Gy) as well as that of the metal-extractant complex were examined. Complete stripping of rubidium has been achieved by 8M HCl with 3-4 fold volume increase of the aqueous phase. (author)