Extraction behavior:

The existing literature on the extraction behavior of high molecular weight amines reveals that mostly the extraction of metals from mineral acids such as hydrochloric, nitric and sulphuric acid has been investigated. In particular, the extraction of anionic chloro complexes has received maximum attention. Some interest has also been generated in extending the use of HMWA for the extraction of various metal ions from aqueous carboxylic acids. Some work has been reported on the malonate, tartrate, citrate and oxalate complexes.

High molecular weight amines are basically aliphatic primary, secondary, tertiary amines and quaternary ammonium salts with molecular weight in the range 250 to 600. Many of the extractants of this category which are commercially available, are primary amines - Primene JMT, Primene JMT, Primene 81R; secondary amines Amberlite LA- 1, Amberlite LA- 2, Adogen- 283; tertiary amines - Alamine 336, Adogen 364, Adogen 382, and quaternary amines - Aliquat 336, Adogen 464.