Extraction of cerium(III) with N, N′-dimethyl-N, N′-dioctyl-diglycolamide in [Bmim][PF6] compared in 40% octanol/kerosene

The extraction of Ce(III) nitrate has been investigated by using N, N′-dimethyl-N, N′-dioctyl-diglycolamide (DMDODGA = L) as extractant with 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Bmim][PF6]) as diluent in comparison with 40% octanol/kerosene. DMDODGA in two different diluents shows good extraction ability for Ce(III), but the trends are quite different depending on the concentrations of the ligand in solvent phase and nitric acid in aqueous phase. The slope analysis method is used to obtain the stoichiometric ratio of the extracted complexes. 1:3 complex of Ce(III) to DMDODGA may be formed in both systems, while 1:2 complex may be also formed in DMDODGA-40% octanol/kerosene system. The extraction of Ce(III) is by the cation exchange mechanism in DMDODGA-[Bmim][PF6] system. Unlike the expected positively charged 1:3 complex of Ce(III) formed in the DMDODGA-40% octanol/kerosene system, the 1:2 complex is assumed to be a neutral complex with two DMDODGA molecules bonding to Ce(III). In addition, the stronger interaction between the C = O groups of L and Ce(III) in the DMDODGA-[Bmim][PF6] system than in the DMDODGA-40% octanol/kerosene system is confirmed by IR spectroscopy.