Functionalization of XAD-4 resin for the separation of lanthanides using chelation ion exchange liquid chromatography

A new chelating agent bis-2[(O-carbomethoxy)phenoxy]ethylamine has been synthesized using a facile microwave induced process. The ligand was appended on to a crosslinked polystyrene resin XAD-4 and adsorption properties of La(III), Nd(III) and Sm(III) towards this resin were studied. The selectivity sequences of the resin for these metals were in agreement with their stability constants. Pre-concentration of the metals was studied and effect of other ions on the pre-concentration has been analyzed. Lastly, the resin was used for chromatographic separation of La(III) and Nd(III), Nd(III) and Sm(III) mixtures and conditions for the same optimized.