The enrichment of magnesium isotopes by AM15C5 bonded ion exchanger

Abstract

Summary Magnesium isotope enrichment was investigated by chemical ion exchange with a synthesized 2′-aminomethyl-15-crown-5(AM15C5) bonded Merrifield peptide resin using elution chromatography. The capacity of the novel crown ion exchanger was found to be 2.3 meq/g dry resin. The heavier isotopes of magnesium were enriched in the solution phase, while the lighter isotopes were enriched in the resin phase. The separation factor was determined according to the method of Glueckauf from the elution curve and isotopic assays. The separation factors of 24Mg2+–25Mg2+, 24Mg2+–26Mg2+, and 25Mg2+–26Mg2+ isotope pair fractionations were 1.013, 1.024, and 1.012, respectively.