Extraction and separation of Mn(II) and Zn(II) from sulphate solutions by sodium salt of Cyanex 272

Solvent extraction of divalent zinc and manganese from sulphate solutions was carried out using the sodium salt of Cyanex 272. Extraction of metal ions increased with increasing equilibrium pH and extractant concentration. The extracted species were ZnA 2 · 3HA for zinc and MnA 2 · 3HA for manganese. One mole of hydrogen ion was released for one mole of metal extracted under the experimental conditions used in this work. The zinc and manganese loading capacity of 0.1 M Na-Cyanex 272 was determined. The influence of NaCl, NaNO 3, Na 2SO 4 and NaSCN on the extraction of metal ions was studied. The presence of Na 2SO 4 in solution had a remarkable depressing effect on extraction systems. The separation factor was pH dependent.