Mutual separation of Ru, Rh, and Pd via reflux-assisted extraction and reverse-extraction using ion-pair and solvation with S- and amino-N-donor reagents

Sasaki, Yuji  ; Kaneko, Masashi   ; Matsumiya, Masahiko*; Kumagai, Yuta   

This study determined extraction and back-extraction conditions for the mutual separation of three light PGMs, Ru, Rh, and Pd. Results revealed that reagents containing soft N and S donor atoms efficiently extract and strip Pd through solvation. In comparison, Ru and Rh undergo ion-pair extraction, requiring both anionic metal species and cationic extractants. These essential chlorinated PGM anions and protonated extractants having amino N atoms are present in HCl media. D(Ru) and D(Rh) values of approximately 100 and 10, respectively, were obtained using nitrilo-triacet-amide (NTAamide), which exhibits tetradentate coordination. Refluxing in 3-6 M HCl at 250 C, a condition that promotes the formation of highly chlorinated PGM anionic species, increased D(Ru) and D(Rh). Based on these findings, a flow diagram for the mutual separation of three PGMs was developed.