STUDY ON NEW EXTRACTION SYSTEM FOR LITHIU M

o-Arylazo-beta-arylols (HA) were first time chosen as the extractants for lithium (Li+) with the formation of chelating anion (LiA(2)(-)), w hich could be extracted into inactive solvents in the presence of a qu aternary ammonium base (Q(+)X(-)). The mechanism of this chelation-ion association synergic extraction was discussed in detail. The dynamics data and the thermodynamics parameters and the structure of the extra ctable complexes were determined. It was shown that the new system exh ibits excellent properties, especially the larger separation coefficie nt beta(Li/Na) than other systems hitherto issued.