Comparison between isobutyl methyl ketone and diisobutyl ketone for the solvent extraction of gold and its determination in geological materials using atomic absorption spectrometry

A comparative study was made of the solvent extraction of the tetrachloro- and tetrabromoaurate complexes of gold into isobutyl methyl ketone and diisobutyl ketone. The efficiency of the extraction was assessed following the determination of residual gold in the aqueous phase by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Optimum conditions for solvent extraction were established. Sensitivity and precision data were gathered for gold extracted into isobutyl methyl ketone and diisobutyl ketone by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Spectral interference data are presented for the co-extraction of iron.