Separation of molybdenum by extraction of molybdenum(VI) -1,10-phenanthroline with isobutyl methyl ketone

A method for the extractive separation of molybdenum has been developed based on the extraction of the Mosup(VI)-10-phenanthroline complex into isobutyl methyl ketone. Under appropriate conditions Wsup(VI), Crsup(III), Crsup(VI), Usup(VI), Vsup(V), Thsup(IV), Zrsup(IV), Sesup(IV), Bisup(III), Fesup(II), Fesup(III), Cosup(II), Cosup(II), Nisup(II), Mnsup(II), Mgsup(II), Cusup(II), Pbsup(II), Znsup(II) and Pdsup(II) do not interfere. The ratio of metal:ligand in the complex was found to be 1:4 by conductimetric titration. The method compares favourably with existing methods for the extractive separation of molybdenum. (author)