AMPHIPHILIC ASYMMETRICAL DIGLYCOLAMIDES AND USE THEREOF FOR EXTRACTING RARE EARTH METALS FROM ACIDIC AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

摘要

The invention relates to new optimized amphiphilic asymmetrical diglycolamides suitable for use as rare earth metal extracting agents. Said diglycolamides have general formulae (I) and (II), where: R¹ = a linear or branched C2 to C4 alkyl group; R² = a linear or branched C9 to C14 alkyl group; except for the diglycolamide of general formula (I) where R¹ = n-butyl group and R² = n-dodecyl group, and the diglycolamide of general formula (II) where R¹ = ethyl group and R² = n-dodecyl group. The invention also relates to the use of said diglycolamides for extracting rare earth metals from acidic aqueous solutions. The invention applies to the production of rare earth metals from urban ore concentrates, natural ore concentrates having a high rare earth content, or concentrates of natural ore residues.