RECENT ADVANCES IN AMINES AS SEPARATING AGENTS FOR METAL IONS

In this article those aspects of the application of amines in metal ion separation during the last two decades which could be regarded as new facets or as clarifying earlier concepts have been briefly dealt with. This includes work with diammonium extractants and a comparison with their monocationic analogues and new approaches to explain the different secondary effects. In addition more emphasis has been placed on the neutral N-donor action of amines and their application towards metal ion specificity. The importance of a thorough understanding of the basic properties of the amine and the metal ion were indicated for the development of new metal ion specific separating agents.