Varsha Gautam, Loni Lokwani, Sharda Sharma
In supramolecular chemistry, liquid membranes are frequently used to evaluate the complexation and transport properties of receptors. Tripropyleneglycolmonobutylether (TPGMBE) was used to study extractability and selectivity for alkali metal ions (Li+, Na+ & K+) using picrate (Pic-),dinitrophenolate (Dnp-) and orthonitrophenolate (Onp-) salts through various organic membranes viz. dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane and chloroform. Higher extraction values were observed for K+ ions from picrate salts while Li+ ion shows maximum transport ability using onp- as anion. Dichloromethane was found to be the best membrane for both extraction and transport processes. Liquid membrane technology provide applications in small and large separations, drug delivery and electrode sensing techniques etc.