Lead(II) extraction from aqueous solutions by pyridine extractants

Abstract In this work, the Pb(II) extraction from chloride and chloride/nitrate solution with novel hydrophobic extractants: 1-(3-pyridyl)undecan-1-one oxime and its pyridinium salts (3-[1-(hydroxyimine)undecyl]-1-propylpyridinium bromide and 3-[1-(hydroxyimine)undecyl]-1-propylpyridinium chloride) was discussed. The extraction efficiency strongly depended on chloride and extractant concentration, as well as the extractant structure. The conducted calculations indicated that lead(II) was extracted as PbCl 3 − and PbCl 4 2− without the mineral acid participation in the complex structure. The most efficient extractant of lead(II) from the concentrated chloride solutions was 3-[1-(hydroxyimine)undecyl]-1-propylpyridinium chloride. Laboratory - scale experiments indicated that 3-[1-(hydroxyimine)undecyl]-1-propylpyridinium chloride can be proposed as a selective Pb(II) extractant from the Pb-Zn-Cu and Pb-Zn-Fe mixtures.