Question

1. It would also be possible to separate Co2+ and Ni2+ on a cation exchange column as opposed to the anion exchange column employed in this experiment. What is the main advantage of the procedure we used (anion exchange column)?

2. In aqueous solution, Co2+ forms the complex Co(H20)62+ (λmax = 513 nm, e = 4.8 M-1cm-1). Why did we complex the Co2+ solution with thiocyanate instead of simply taking absorbance measurements of the aqueous solution?

3. Why is it necessary to re-equilibrate the ion exchange column with 9M HCl between separation runs? What would happen if this step were omitted?

Answer 1