Solvent Extraction Separation of Indium with Quaternary Ammonium Anion Exchanger Aliquat 336S from an Ascorbate Solution

A novel method is proposed for the solvent extraction separation of indium from associated elements. Indium can be quantitatively extracted in the pH range of 3.5-5.5 with 0.1mol dm-3Aliquat 336S in xylene from 1×10-2mol dm-3 ascorbic acid solution. It was stripped with 1mol dm-3nitric acid and was determined directly using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer at 303.9nm. An excellent separation of indium from aluminum, gallium and thallium was possible. It was also separated from iron, copper, nickel and lead present with it in alloys, as well as minerals. The method was reproducible with a standard deviation of ±0.44%.