ISOPROPYL-3-PENTADECYLPHENYL PHOSPHORIC-ACID - A NEW REAGENT FOR LIQUID-LIQUID-EXTRACTION AND SEPARATION OF RARE-EARTHS

A new reagent isopropyl-3-pentadecylphenyl phosphoric acid (IPPA = HR) was synthesized from cardanol [I-37,300-39-5] and was used to investi gate the extraction behaviour of lanthanum(III), europium(III) and lut etium(III) from HCl and HClO4 solutions into toluene. The species extr acted were found to be Ln(HR2)3 (where Ln = La(III) or Eu(III) or Lu(I II). The extraction behaviour of above lanthanides has also been compa red with yttrium and other rare earths. It was observed that the extra ction increases with increase of atomic number of rare earths. In addi tion the extraction efficiency of IPPA has been compared with well kno wn acidic organophosphorous extractants like di-2-ethylhexyl phosphori c acid (DEHPA) and 2-ethylhexyl-mono-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (EHE HPA).