Synergistic solvent extraction of zirconium(IV)

The extraction of Zr(IV) by 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTA) in carbon tetrachloride from aqueous hydrochloric acid solutions is a slow process. The addition of a neutral extractant, di-n-pentyl sulfoxide (DPSO) enhances considerably the rate as well as the percentage of extraction. The species extracted appears to be ZrCl₂(TTA)₂·2 DPSO. An increase in temperature results in a further increase in the rate and percentage of extraction. Studies have also been carried out on the extraction of the metal by mixtures of various neutral extractants. Thermodynamic parameters associated with the formation of the synergistic adducts have been evaluated.