INTERACTION OF MERCURY(II) AND SILVER(I) WITH BIS[DI(2-ETHYLEXYLOXY)-THIOPHOSPHORYL]DISULFIDE

Synthesis of bis[di(2-ethylhexyloxy)thiophosphoryl]disulfide (BTPD) by reaction of di(2-ethylhexyl)dithiophosphoric acid (DTPA) with copper(II) sulfate followed by oxidation with HNO3 has been described. The IR spectra of BTPD have been recorded and interpreted in comparison with the spectra of DTPA on the basis of extraction experiments. Both IR and NMR spectra proved the absence of ionogenic SH groups in BTPD. The mercury and silver complexation that appeared was demonstrated to be due to redox reactions and/or insertion of metal ion or metal halide into the S-S group of BTPD. The re-extraction of metal from metal-complexed BTPD was shown to release the SH-containing components in the extractant (BTPD).