Equilibria of Fe(II) and Fe(III) Solvent Extraction from Nitric Acid with Bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine
F. S. Nworie *
Department of Industrial Chemistry, Ebonyi State University, PMB 053, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
F. I. Nwabue
Department of Industrial Chemistry, Ebonyi State University, PMB 053, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
W. J. O. Oti
Department of Industrial Chemistry, Ebonyi State University, PMB 053, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
S. P. I. Ogah
Department of Industrial Chemistry, Ebonyi State University, PMB 053, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
S. Eluu
Department of Laboratory Science and Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The equilibria of iron (II) and iron (III) extraction with bis(salicylidene) ethylenediamine dissolved in chloroform as non polar diluents from nitric acid solutions were studied in order to develop a chemical based conditions for determining the equilibrium distribution ratios. The distribution of the extractants between the nitrate solution and the diluents was examined as well. Based on the result, it was discovered that the cation exchange extraction is mainly predominant in the low acidic region 0.01-0.0001 M, whereas in high acidic region (0.1-2 M), competitive complexation extraction is prominent. The logarithmic dependence of pH on the distribution ratio was evaluated from the linear plot with slope of 2 and 3 for Fe(II) and Fe(III) respectively. Parameters controlling the behavior of the extraction system were investigated and optimum conditions determined.
Keywords: Solvent extraction, nitric acid, H2Sal, equilibria