Extraction of copper(II) and zinc(II) from chloride media with mixed extractants

Extraction of copper(II) and zinc(II) from acidic chloride solutions with mixtures of two extractants: a basic or solvating one and a chelating extractant was discussed. Processes for recovery and separation of Cu(II) from Zn(II) were proposed, which consist of the following steps: extraction from chloride media with the formation of metal chlorocomplex ion pair or solvate, scrubbing of chloride ions with an aqueous solution of appropriate pH with simultaneous transfer of the metal ion to the chelate, traditional stripping with sulphuric acid and conditioning of the basic extractant. Both effective recovery and separation of metal ions with simultaneous change of the system from the chloride to the sulphate state can be achieved. A bifunctional reagent, such as alkyl derivative of 8-hydroxyquinoline, can be also used instead of the extractant mixture.