Quantifying the diluent effect on scandium extraction by tri-n-butyl phosphate using many-parameter equations

Many-parameter correlations of logD(Sc) with 10 systems of diluent paramete rs are studied. Of these, the correlations with the best statistical parame ters are selected. To limit the number of diluent parameters used in quanti fying their effect on chemical processes, it is proposed to apply Occam's r azor principle. Analysis of the regression equation on the dimensionless sc ale is a suitable method for comparing the strength of the diluent effects on a chemical process. The values of the pertinent acidity parameters of an extractant are proposed as a measure of the strength of the effect of a di luent as a Lewis base or acid, and vice versa. Triangular diagrams with dil uent parameters in the corners and with level lines of the property that ch aracterizes the equilibrium distribution of the extracted component are pro posed for use in the characterization of extraction systems.