Liquid-Liquid Extraction of Zr(IV) from Sulphuric Acid Medium using Cyanex 923 in Kerosene

The extraction behaviour of Zr(IV) from sulphuric acid with cyanex 923 (a mixture of four trialkyl phosphine oxides) in kerosene has been studied through a novel method liquid – liquid extraction. The mechanism of extraction and the species extracted have been identified. Quantitative extraction of Zr(IV) with cyanex 923 in kerosene was studied by changing different parameters such as acid variation, extractant variation, effect of salting out reagent concentration, effect of temperature, metal concentration variation and diluent effect. It was observed that the percentage of extraction of Zr(IV) increased when the concentrations of cyanex 923 and metal ion concentration increased. Kerosene was found to be effective diluent for the extraction of Zr(IV) withcyanex 923.