Ion-exchange equilibria with quaternary ammonium ions
Abstract
Variation of the quaternary ammonium ion (Q) selectivity, for the series NMe4, NEt4, NPr4, and NBu4 ions, with the NH4 reference ion is found to be similar to that with the H ion. Resin preference for the Q ion is found to decrease with change in reference ion in the order Li > H > Na > NH4 > K. The effect of cross-linking upon the NEt4–NH4 system is compared to that with the H reference ion. Comparison of the equilibrium curves on one resin, for these two systems, at 25 and 80° has been made and these, and the above trends, are discussed in the light of modern theory of selectivity.