Nitrogen reagents in metal ion separation. XI. The synthesis and extraction behavior of a new NS imidazole derivative

A new extractant with an NS donor chromophore viz. 2-(1-ethylthiomethyl)-1-decyl imidazole (ETDIMZ) has been synthesized. Its extraction behavior towards each of Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ in each of perchlorate, chloride and thiocyanate media in dilute acid media have been studied. Its behavior was compared with a similar pyridine derivative, viz. 2-(octylthiomethyl)pyridine (OTMP) under comparable conditions. These behaviors have been interpreted in terms of the coordination chemistry of the metal ions. It was shown how formation constants of simple ligands, symmetry of the complex species and phase transferability can influence extraction behavior and how the above parameters can assist in the development of metal ion specific extractants.