CATION EXCHANGE BEHAVIOR OF METAL IONS IN AMMONIUM SULFATE MEDIA.

Abstract The distribution coefficients of 20 metal ions in acid sulfate media with a strong acid type cation exchange resin, Dowex 50W-X8, are presented. The ammonium sulfate concentration varied from 0.10 to 1.0 M at a constant concentration of sulfuric acid (0.025 M ). The coefficients of metal ions become significantly lower in acid sulfate media than those in sulfuric acid media, thus allowing many separations to be conducted at lower sulfate concentrations. The distribution coefficient indicates that differences in distribution coefficients between beryllium and a considerable number of metal ions are large enough for good separation. Results of the separation of beryllium from 23 metal ions are given. The acid sulfate system is also suitable for a clear-cut separation of uranium (VI), thorium and the rare earths in widely varying proportions, even permitting a carrier-free separation of 234 Th from uranium.