Search for the possibility of utilizing the differences in complex-forming capacities of alkylimidazoles for selective extraction of some metal ions from aqueous solutions

Alkyl substituents in position 1 of the imidazole ring distinctly affect the hydrophobic properties of the molecule and strengthen its basicity. Hence, 1-alkylimidazoles have been used as extractants of a number of metal ions. Again, a methyl substituent in position 2 of the imidazole ring raises by an order of magnitude the basicity. At the same time, the substituent impedes the formation of the 2-alkylimidazole complexes with metal ions due to the steric effect.

By the substitution of alkyl groups in position 1 or 2 of the imidazole ring it is possible to program the extraction properties of extractants and to control the selectivity of extraction.