UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist, Mains · 2022 · Mains Paper I

Q11(c). Ion-exchange separation of lanthanoids

10 marks
Topic: Chemistry of d- and f-block elements
Answered

Question

How are lanthanides separated by ion-exchange method? Explain.

Answer in brief

Retain Ln³⁺ on a cation-exchange resin and elute with a complexing solution. Small differences in complex stability produce different migration rates and separated bands.

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Topic notes: lanthanides and actinides (lanthanide contraction, magnetic moments, separation), with every Civil Services, IFoS and Geo-Scientist PYQ →

Coverslanthanide separationion exchangecation-exchange resinα-hydroxyisobutyrate elutionlanthanoid contraction

All parts of Question 11

11(a) Why 4d and 5d radii are similar10 marks
11(b) Using magnetism to distinguish spin states10 marks
11(c) Ion-exchange separation of lanthanoids10 marks