Extraction of Re(VII) by neutral and basic extractants

The mechanism of Re(VII) extraction from sulphate-containing solutions using primary amine Primene JMT, trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO), tributyl phosphate (TBP), and their mixtures was investigated. It was found that the ratio of Re(VII) with Primene JMT and its sulphate in the organic phase was 1 : 1. The composition of Re(VII) complexes with TOPO depended on the acidity of solution ranging from about I : 1 to 2 : 1. When the extraction was carried out by TBP the mole ratio of TBP to Re was approximately 4. Primene JMT proved to be the most suitable agent for Re(VII) extraction with the exception of strongly acidic solutions, in which TOPO provided better results. The mixed solvents Primene JMT and TOPO as well as Primene JMT and TBP presented a slight synergism in weakly acidic solutions.