Chromatographic separation of selenium and arsenic: A potential 72Se/72As generator

An anion exchange method was developed to separate selenium and arsenic for potential utility in a 72Se/72As generator. The separation of the daughter 72As from the 72Se parent is based on the relative acid-base behavior of the two oxo-anions in their highest oxidation states. At pH 1.5, selenate is retained on strongly basic anion exchange resin as HSeO4− and SeO42−, while neutral arsenic acid, H3AsO4, is eluted.