J. STARY, T/ze Solve& Extraction xiv+ 240 pp., price 60 s.
267 of Metal
Chelates,
Pergamon
Press, Oxford,
1964,
In recent years much attention has been given to the study of the estraction of metal ions from aqueous solution. As more precise data are obtained for the stability constants of metal chelates, so the theoretical basis for solvent extraction becomes more pronounced and the factors influencing practical estraction procedures become better understood. In this useful monograph, Dr. STARY deals first with the theoretical aspects of solvent extraction, including his recently developed substoichiometric method, and follows this with a comprehensive account of the many chelate systems which have been studied. All the well-known chelates and many lesser-known chelates are described and classified under particular reagent types. In a final section, the author describes procedures for the selective extraction of forty-eight metal ions. A useful appendix contains tables of dissociation constants, partition coefficients and solubility data. A valuable feature of the book is the emphasis given to reagents which form chelates suitable for spectrophotometry in the organic phase, thus avoiding tedious stripping processes and further applications of colour-forming reagents. On the whole, this book provides a relatively up-to-date picture of solvent extraction methods from both theoretical and applied points of view. As well as providing a broad view of the applications of well-known reagents, it gives some useful outlines of the rarer reagents which are as yet hardly significant analytically. The monograph represents a useful contribution on a subject of ever-increasing importance to analytical chemists. W. I. STEPHEN (Birmingham)