Extraction and complex formation of niobium(V) with 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-(4-tolyl)-4-pyridone.

The extraction of niobium(V) from aqueous hydrochloric and sulphuric acid solutions with 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-(4-tolyl)-4-pyridone (HY) dissolved in chloroform is described. Niobium(V) can be quantitatively extracted with HY in the form of two different complexes depending on the chloride ion concentration in the aqueous phase. At a low chloride concentration or without chloride in the aqueous phase niobium(V) is extracted with HY in the form of Nb(OH)(3)Y(2) and at a high chloride concentration as a mixed Nb(OH)(3)ClY complex. Niobium extraction with HY enables the separation of niobium(V) from zirconium(IV) and hafnium(IV). The formation of a mixed chloro-4-pyridone complex is also applicable for the spectrophotometric determination of niobium in the organic phase at the maximum absorption at 350 nm.