UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist, Mains · 2023 · Mains Paper I

Q10(c). Ion-exchange separation of lanthanoids

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

Question

How can lanthanides be separated by ion-exchange method? Explain the principle involved.

Answer in brief

Bind Ln³⁺ to a cation-exchange resin, then elute with a complexing solution. Small differences in complex stability produce different migration rates and separate bands.

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

Coversion-exchange separation of lanthanidescation exchange resinα-hydroxyisobutyrate elutionlanthanide contractionelution order

All parts of Question 10

10(a) Atomic radii across the 3d series10 marks
10(b) Lanthanoid contraction and hydroxide basicity10 marks
10(c) Ion-exchange separation of lanthanoids10 marks