Electrolytic and chemical precipitation of germanium dioxide from oxalate solution

Abstract Complexation of germanium dioxide with oxalic acid to form the highly stable trisoxalatogermanate complex is basis for separation of germanium from other elements which form less stable oxalate complexes. Recovery of germanium from oxalate solution has been accomplished through electrolytic decomposition of the excess oxalic acid and the complex under conditions producing germanium dioxide, a ready precursor for the production of germanium tetrachloride. A procedure is described to accomplish this separation an the controlling factors are identified.