Cloud‐point extraction of trace copper in lipophilic complex form

Abstract
A less‐common extraction procedure, cloud‐point extraction, was used with a lipophilic chelating agent (LEX® 54) to extract copper ion from aqueous solution. Surfactant solutions [0.2–2.2 %(w/w) of nonylphenoxypoly(ethylenoxy)ethanol] with a cloud‐point of 48–52°C, was used in conjunction with a lipophilic chelating agent, dodecyl benzoylacetone, RC6H4CO‐CH2COCH3, to form a copper complex that would be extracted into the micellar phase. Extraction was optimal in a pH range of 5–11 with 95.5–98.6% of the copper extracted. The partition coefficient increased with increasing copper concentration and was in excess of 1000 when the initial copper concentration was 80 ppm. Unlike the cloud‐point temperature and the extraction rate, extraction efficiency was only slightly related to surfactant concentration.

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