Synthesis of thorium molybdate and its use for the quantitative separation of iron(III) from zinc(II), cobalt(II), and copper(II)

Abstract

A new monofunctional amorphous cation exchanger, thorium molybdate, has been systhesised under a range of conditions. The ion-exchange properties of the various products have been studied, and the Th : Mo ratios determined. The fairly stable product with Th : Mo ratio 1 : 2 has been used successfully for the quantitative separations of Fe³⁺ from Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Co²⁺.