Kinetics of Y(III) Stripping for the System Y/HCl/Cyanex 272‐P507/Heptane with Constant Interfacial Area Cell with Laminar Flow

Abstract

Kinetics and mechanism of stripping of yttrium(III) previously extracted by mixtures of bis(2,4,4‐trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid (Cyanex 272, HA), and 2‐ethylhexyl phosphonic acid mono‐2‐ethylhexl ester (P507, HB) dissolved in heptane have been investigated by constant interfacial‐area cell by laminar flow. The corresponding equilibrium stripping equation and equilibrium constant were obtained. The studies of effects of the stirring rate and temperature on the stripping rate show that the stripping regime is dependent on the stripping conditions. The plot of interfacial area on the rate has shown a linear relationship. This fact together with the strong surface activity of mixtures of Cyanex 272 and P507 at heptane‐water interfaces makes the interface the most probable locale for the chemical reactions. The stripping rate constant is obtained, and the value is compared with that of the system with Cyanex 272 and P507 alone. It is concluded that the stripping ability with the mixtures is easier than that of P507 due to lower the activation energy of the mixtures. The stripping rate equation has also been obtained, and the rate‐determining steps are the two‐step interfacial chemical reactions as predicted from interfacial reaction models.