Development of a Highly Selective Exchange Resin for Ga(III) Sequestration

Separations chemistry is an important tool that is employed for a wide variety of applications associated with DOE missions. The ligand 4-chloro-2-[(6-chloro-7-methyl-2H-1,3-benzoxazin-3(4H)-yl)methyl]-5-methylphenol is currently employed as an additive to solvent extraction methods, which are neither rapid nor environmentally sound due to large quantities of toxic waste generated. The development of novel separation technologies, specifically a resin material bearing the identified galliumselective ligand, which afford increased exchange rates and reduced impact on the environment are of vital importance. Synthesis of the identified ligand will be modified to include an additional reactive moiety for covalent attachment to a commercially available resin support. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The immobilization of a highly-selective exchange ligand will improve exchange kinetics, reduce waste generation, and allow for implementation as a down-stream additive to existing industrial processes