Extraction preconcentration of naphthols and phenol with solvent mixtures impregnated into polyurethane foam

The extraction of phenol and naphthols with isomolar mixtures of nonane and tributyl phosphate, dibutyl phthalate, or hexane impregnated in ester-based polyurethane foam was studied. The optimum conditions for the extraction-adsorption preconcentration (equilibration time. the pH of the solution. the volume of the test sample, the mass of the adsorbent pellet, and the nature and composition Of the mixture applied to polyurethane foam) were determined. A procedure providing the 250- to 350-fold preconcentration of phenol and naphthols is proposed for quantitative extraction.