Paper chromatographic analysis in connection with the formation of tellurium (VI) compounds

Abstract

The formation and stability of Te(VI) compounds during chlorination of acidic, neutral and alkaline solutions of Te(IV) compounds were followed by a simple paperchromatographic method. It was found that about 2 μg of Te(VI) could be detected in the presence of considerable amounts of Te(IV) and that less than 1 μg of Te(IV) could be detected in the presence of large quantities of Te(VI). Chromatography was carried out at 20° on Schleicher and Schüll 2043A filter paper by the ascending technique, using n-butanol saturated with 3 N HCl as developing agent. The papers were sprayed with stannous chloride solution. The R F value of Te(VI) was found to be 0.08–0.15 and that of Te(IV) compounds, depending on the basicity of the spotted solution, 0.51–0.61, which decreases with increasing basicity.