Extraction of uranium, thorium, yttrium and rare earths from acid soln - using a di-(alkylphenyl)phosphoric acid and hydrocarbon solvent

摘要

The continuous process comprises contacting the soln. with a homogeneous organic phase comprising a di-(alkylphenyl) phosphoric acid substantially free of mono(alkylphenyl) phosphoric acid and an organic solvent selected from aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons or mixtures of these such that after sepn. of the phases the aq. phase is substantially exhausted. The extracting compsn. is novel when the alkyl in the alkylphenyl is 4-12C.. The process is used to recover metal values from acidic solns. (e.g. solns. obtd. from leaching phosphate rocks or used nuclear fuels). It enables total recovery with its extractant being stable and suitable for recycling over long periods.