The extraction of low-concentrations of gold(I) with Au-198 as a radiotracer

The solvent extraction of gold from alkaline cyanide solution was studied by using Au-198 as a radiotracer. The influence of several variables on the gold extraction, including the concentration of gold, the molar ratio of extractants to gold(I), the volume percentage of cosolvent and the pH value of the aqueous phase, was investigated. The results indicated that the radioactive tracer technique is a quick, accurate, and convenient tool to investigate the extraction behavior of an element existing in low concentrations. The experimental results indicated that the studied amines, tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, N1923 and tri-n-octylamine, could be used as extractants for the recovery of gold from aqueous alkaline cyanide solutions.Chemistry, AnalyticalChemistry, Inorganic & NuclearNuclear Science & TechnologySCI(E)4ARTICLE2405-40825