Study of Lithium-Extraction Systems Based on Benzo-15-Crown-5 Ether and Alkylimidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid.

The extraction of lithium from aqueous solutions of LiNTf and LiCl salts using benzo-15-crown-5 ether (B15C5) as an extractant in [C8mim][NTf] ionic liquid was studied. The transition of the extractant into the aqueous phase and the distribution of Cl ions during lithium extraction from LiCl solutions were determined. LiNTf complexes with B15C5 with different LiNTf:B15C5 ratios were isolated for the first time and characterized via X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. Differences in the extraction process of LiCl and LiNTf were determined via an infrared spectroscopic study of the extraction systems.