The Extraction of Certain Cations from Aqueous Solution with Di-(2-ethylhexyl)orthophosphate

Abstract

Equations derived from experimental data are presented for the distribution of divalent copper, cobalt, and nickel between aqueous sulphate solution and solution of di-(2-ethylhexyl)orthophosphate (EHPA) in kerosene. These equations approach, though they are not identical with, the distribution equation derived from a simple extraction theory. The same theory cannot be applied to the extraction of sodium. The marked difference in behaviour between the alkali and transition metals is explained in terms of the different structures of their compounds with EHPA.