Solvent extraction of titanium by tributylphosphate, trioctylphosphine oxide and decanol from chloride media

Solvent extraction of titanium from both hydrochloric acid and calcium chloride solutions has been investigated. Polarographic analysis showed that the dissolved titanium is present as Ti(IV) in chloride solutions. Two extractants, tributylphosphate (TBP) and decanol, were used separately and mixed. The effects of the reaction time, the concentration of HCl and CaCl2 in the aqueous phase, and the extractant concentration in the organic phase were studied. It is shown that the kinetics of the extraction process are very fast, since equilibrium is reached after 3 min. In addition, the extraction of TI(IV) increases with the total chloride concentration in the aqueous phase, as well as with the extractant concentration in the organic phase. Extraction of about 95% of titanium by 1 mol/l TBP from hydrochloric acid media was possible, as well as the extraction of 99% of titanium by 0.5 mol/l TOPO from a 6 mol/l solution of total chloride.