Solvent Selection for Solvent Extraction
In this process, it is very important to choose a perfect solvent for the compound to
get better results. Following are some of the points which are important while
selecting a perfect solvent for separation.
The solvent should be able to dissolve at least one component to a large extent than
the rest of the components in the mixture.
The reaction taking place should be stable and irreversible. Reversible reactions can
bring back the dissolved components in their previous form and the extraction will
not be completed successfully.
The compound formed after the reaction should be easily separated from the
extracted compound so that it can be reused.
The density of the compound should be different from the required component to
help the separation readily.
It should be inexpensive and cost-effective.
The solvent should not be toxic or corrosive as it can harm the extraction
instruments.
Other factors important during solvent selection are viscosity, boiling point,
flammability, etc.
Conditions for Extraction
Condition under which the reaction or the extraction process takes place also affects
the separation. Temperature and pH play a very important role in separating
components. So it is very necessary to maintain the temperature and pH of the
compound during the extraction process. Pressure does not affect the reaction much,
as most of the solvent extractions are carried out under the atmospheric pressure.
Other factors may be precipitation of solids, vapour pressure, etc. Apart from these
factors, residence time is also important in the reactions like metals separation or
short life components like antibiotics.
Classification of Extraction Systems The process of metal extraction is based on the formation
of neutral metal chelate. All types of chelating agents find useful applications in metal
extraction procedures. Various extraction systems can be classified in several ways. The
classical one is based on the nature of the extracted species. The present day classification is
based upon the process of extraction. Thus, based upon the process of extraction, extraction
systems can be classified into four major classes viz.,
a) Chelate extraction
b) Extraction by solvation
c) Extraction involving ion pair formation
d) Synergic extraction
a) Chelate extraction In this class, extraction proceeds by the process of formation of chelate
or closed ring structure between the chelating agent and the metal ion to be extracted.
e.g. i) The extraction of Uranium with 8-hydroxyquinoline in chloroform.
ii) The extraction of Iron with cupferron in carbon tetrachloride.
b) Extraction by solvation
In this class, the extraction proceeds by the process of solvation of the species which is
extracted into organic phase. Oxygenated organic solvents such as alcohols (C-OH), ketones,
ethers and esters show some basicity because of the lone pair of electron on the oxygen atom
and can therefore directly solvate protons and metal ions and bring about their extraction.
e.g. i) The extraction of Uranium with tributyl phosphate from nitric acid
ii) The extraction of Iron (III) with diethyl ether from hydrochloric acid.
c) Extraction involving ion pair formation The extraction proceeds with the formation of
neutral uncharged species which in turn gets extracted in to the organic phase. The best example
of this is the extraction of Scandium and Uranium with trioctyl amine from mineral acids. In
this case an ion pair is formed between complex of metal ion with high molecular weight amine
and anionic species ofmineral acids. d) Synergic extraction In this case, there is enhancement
in the extraction on account of use of two extractants. e.g. the extraction of Uranium with
tributylphosphate (TBP) as well as 2thionyltrifluroacetone (TTA).
