Extractant selection for copper(II) ion extraction

The effect of extractant type on the coextraction of ammonium ions and the stripping rate of copper(II) ions from the organic phase into a sulfuric acid electrolyte was studied. Extractants D2EHPA, C7–C9 fatty acid mixture, ASAO-RT, and MX80A were tested. Organophosphorus acid D2EHPA or salicylaldoxime ASAO-RT was shown to coextract ammonium ions. The MX80A extractant containing β-diketone, 1-phenyl-3-isoheptyl-1,3-propanedione, neither transfers ammonium ions nor provides high back extraction rate. Extractant DX-510A have been developed, which contains an original β-diketone responsible for high kinetic characteristics and the lack of ammonium coextraction.