Extraction mechanism of monovalent ion-pairs by polyurethane foams.
The extractability sequence of K(+) approximately Rb(+) > Cs(+) > Na(+) > Li(+) for the extraction with polyether foam suggests that the cation chelation mechanism might be operative. However, the same order was obtained for the extraction with 100% polypropylene oxide polyether foam which does not normally adopt a helical structure to form oxygen-rich cavities as easily or as effectively as polyethylene oxide to accommodate alkali metal ions. This result indicates that a hole-size/cation-diameter relationship may not be required for the high extraction of K(+). The extraction of alkali metal DPAs and hydroxides from methanol demonstrates the importance of the solvent effect. It indicates that the water-structure enforced ion-pairing (WSEIP) is the driving force for extraction of the ion-pairs. The extraction mechanism for ionic species can be described as an ion-pair extraction process. The overall effect of ion-pair formation in water and interaction of the extracted ions with foam appears to determine the extractability of the ions of the extractable ion-pair.
Fong
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Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2.
Chow
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A