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A novel flow process for metal and ore solubilization by aqueous methyl iodide
Author(s) -
Thayer John S,
Olson Gregory J,
Brinckman Frederick E
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
applied organometallic chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.53
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1099-0739
pISSN - 0268-2605
DOI - 10.1002/aoc.590010110
Subject(s) - chemistry , dissolution , aqueous solution , metal , methyl iodide , iodide , hydrometallurgy , inorganic chemistry , solubility , solubilization , chemical engineering , organic chemistry , biochemistry , engineering
Aqueous solutions of methyl iodide (CH 3 I) react with metal ores and with metals, causing them to dissolve in water. This dissolution has been investigated in both static extraction and flow systems. Aqueous concentrations of metals are enhanced anywhere from 3‐ to 242‐fold. The proposed mechanism involves electrophilic attack on the solid surface, thereby breaking the linkages binding the metal to the solid lattice and causing dissolution. Because biogenic sources constitute a major component of global CH 3 I flux, prospects for related polyfunctional algal haloorganics as aqueous ore or metal solubilizers are noted.