Dithiodiglycolamide: novel ligand with highest selectivity and extractability for palladium

A novel multidentate ligand N,N,N′,N′-tetra(2-ethylhexyl) dithiodiglycolamide DTDGA has been synthesized and studied for its extraction behavior towards various elements present in high level liquid waste (HLW). The extractant showed remarkable extractability and selectivity for palladium vis a vis other metal ions present in HLW. The distribution ratio as well as the separation factor for palladium was found to be the highest reported so far thus making this extractant one of the most promising candidates for effective separation of palladium from HLW.