Greetings:

Please excuse the cross-posting - I need to cast a wide net.  I've
received the following question from a researcher in the Geology
department.

"I am using Zinc Iodide as a heavy liquid in my current lab procedure.  
I would like to re-use it but I am having trouble recycling it, I 
dilute it during my procedure and I am having difficulty distilling it 
back down to the desired specific gravity.  I have built simple
distilling apparatus (heating mantle, boiling flask and graham
condenser) but the vapor that comes off the diluted zinc iodide is
brown/purple and then a metallic film accumulates on the interior of the
condenser.  So, it seems like I am distilling more than water.  It
produces this purple vapor even at temperatures well below boiling"

I think she's subliming off the iodine that then plates out on the cool
surfaces of the condenser.  But I don't have any creative ideas that
will help her re-use the ZnI solution.

Thanks for your help,
Debbie
-----------------------
Debbie M. Decker, Campus Chemical Safety Officer
Environmental Health and Safety
University of California, Davis
1 Shields Ave.
Davis, CA  95616
(530)754-7964/(530)752-4527 (FAX)
dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**ucdavis.edu
Co-Conspirator to Make the World A 
Better Place -- Visit www.HeroicStories.com and join the conspiracy

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