Extraction and Stripping Behavior of Iron (III) from Phosphoric Acid Medium by D2EHPA Alone and Its Mixtures with TBP/TOPO

Abstract

In the present study an attempt has been made to understand the extraction and stripping behavior of iron (III) with D2EHPA alone and its mixture with TBP or TOPO in phosphoric acid medium. Effect of variables such as concentrations of iron (III), phosphoric acid, and phosphate in the aqueous phase, D2EHPA, TBP, and TOPO concentrations in the organic phase and temperature on the extraction process has been studied. The extraction of iron (III) decreased with increase in phosphoric acid concentration. The increase in D2EHPA concentration increased the extraction of iron (III). The presence of TOPO or TBP with D2EHPA showed antagonism. The increase in temperature decreased the extraction of iron (III) with D2EHPA alone and its mixture with either TOPO or TBP showing the exothermic nature of the extraction reaction. The stripping of iron (III) by various reagents followed the order: oxalic acid > phosphoric acid > hydrochloric acid > sulphuric acid > mixture of sulphuric and hydrofluoric acids > ascorbic acid > citric acid irrespective of extraction systems. Higher temperature favors the stripping. The effect of diluents on iron (III) extraction has also been studied. The mechanism of extraction has been explained in the light of the results obtained.