Abstract:

Thin layer chromatography in combination with
spectrophotometry and titrimetry has been used to evaluate
chromatographic characteristics of bauxite constituents. The retention
behaviors of four major constituents (Al3+, Fe2+, Ti4+, Si4+) in bauxite
mineral have been examined on plain and modified layers of silica gel G,
silica gel H and cellulose with mobile phases containing aqueous sodium
chloride, formic acid and hydrochloric acid. Ternary separation of
Al-Fe-Ti was achieved on chromatographic plates made of silica gel H.
The pH effect and presence of impurity elements in samples, nature of
stationary phases on the ternary separation and detection limits of
bauxite constituents were studied. Silicon in bauxite was detected on
cellulose plates. Quantitative determinations of Al3+, Fe2+ and Ti4+ on
silica gel H impregnated with sodium formate layers were achieved by
titrimetry and spectrophotometry.

Key words:
bauxite , aluminium, iron, silica, titanium, thin layer chromatography