Scandium Extraction from Chloride Solutions by a Mixture of Tributyl Phosphate and Molecular Iodine

Abstract

It has been established that the addition of elemental iodine significantly enhances the extraction of scandium by means of tributylphosphate. The metal distribution coefficients exhibit an increase with increasing TBP and iodine concentration in the organic phase as well as with increasing chloride ion concentration in the aqueous phase. As an outsalting agent, chlorides of alkali, alkaline earth and other weakly extracted metal cations can be used. The process is promising for the extraction of scandium from solutions of hydrochloric- acid leaching of mineral and man-made materials.