Synergistic effect of tris(4-isopropyltropolonato)cobalt(III) on the extraction of lanthanoid(III) with 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone.

Synergistic enhancement of the extraction of lanthanoid(III) (Ln) with 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone (Htta) in benzene has been found by the addition of tris(4-isopropyltropolonato)cobalt(III) (Co(ipt)3). The synergistic effect of Co(ipt)3 was ascribed to the formation of a 1:1 adduct of Ln(tta)3 with Co(ipt)3, i.e., a binuclear complex, in the organic phase. The adduct formation constant (beta s,1) determined by the extraction equilibrium analysis was reasonably consistent with that determined by spectrophotometry. The beta s,1 values decreased with increase in the atomic number of Ln and showed a large difference between light and heavy Ln. Spectroscopic studies were performed to explain the difference in the beta s,1 values. Electronic absorption spectra showed that the change in the structure of Co(ipt)3 complexed with the light Ln chelate is larger than that with the heavy Ln. The IR spectra showed the displacement of the coordinated water molecules of the light Ln chelates with Co(ipt)3. On the other hand, the adduct formation of heavy Ln was caused by the hydrogen bonding between Co(ipt)3 and the coordinated water of the Ln chelate.