Synergistic extraction of zinc(II) and cadmium(II) with mixtures of primary amine N1923 and neutral organophosphorous derivatives

Synergistic extraction of zinc(IT) and cadmium(11) from hydrochloric acid solution with primary amine N1923 and neutral organophosphorus derivatives Cyanex 923 and Cyanex 925 is the focus of this paper. Extraction mechanisms are discussed as well as how the acidity of the aqueous phase, the composition of the organic phase, and the experimental temperature affect the rates of extraction of metal ions. Differences between synergistic efficiency of Zn(II) and Cd(II) with mixtures of primary amines N1923 and either Cyanex 923 or Cyanex 925 are observed. The equilibrium constants, the composition, and the formation constants of the extracted complexes as well as the values of the thermodynamic functions are calculated. According to the synergy coefficient formula, the synergy effect on the extraction of Zn(II) is in the following order: N1923 + Cyanex 925 > N1923 + Cyanex 923 This order is reversed in the case of cadmium(II). For the same synergistic system, the extraction rate follows the order: Zn(II) > Cd(II). Furthermore, the stereochemical structures of the various extractants and their effect on metal ion extraction rate are also investigated. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights rserved.