Extraction of lead(II) and copper(II) from salicylate media by tributylphosphine oxide.

Tributylphosphine oxide (TBPO) is proposed as an extractant for the extraction of lead(II) and copper(II) from salicylate media. The optimum conditions were evaluated by varying the experimental parameters, such as the pH, sodium salicylate concentration, tributylphosphine oxide (TBPO) concentration, shaking period and various diluents. The probable extracted species, deduced from log-log plots were Pb(HSal)2.2TBPO and Cu(HSal)2.2TBPO. The extraction took place through a solvation mechanism. The method permits the binary separation of lead(II) and copper(II) from commonly associated elements as well as the mutual separation of lead(II) and copper(II). The method is applicable to the determination of lead(II) and copper(II) in various alloys as well as environmental and pharmaceutical samples.