Extraction of Eu(III) and Tm(III) with picrolonic acid in methylisobutylketone

Summary Picrolonic acid (HPA) in methylisobutylketone (MIBK) has been used for the extraction studies of Eu(III) and Tm(III) from pH 2 buffer solution. The composition of the organic adduct responsible for the extraction of these metal ions has been determined by slope analysis method that came out to be M(PA)3(M= Eu(III), Tm(III)). The effect of various anions and cations on the extraction of these metal ions has also been studied. Among the anions, fluoride, oxalate, citrate and cyanide ions masked the extraction, whereas Fe(III) Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) has reduced the extraction. The formation constant of the organic adduct has also been calculated and discussed.