Effect of chloride ions on the solvent extraction of indium with PC-88A from sulfuric acid

The effect of chloride ions on the distribution equilibrium in the solvent extraction of indium(III) with PC-88A in EXXSOL D-80 diluent from sulfuric acid solution containing lithium chloride at 30 degreesC was investigated t o elucidate the stoichiometric relation and equilibrium constant of the ext raction reaction by examining the effect of the concentrations of reactant species such as hydrogen and chloride ions and extraction reagent. It was f ound that indium(III) is extracted as the species, InClR2 . 2HR, while the extracted complex was found to be InR3 ..HR in the absence of chloride ions . The equilibrium constant of the extraction reaction was evaluated taking account of the formation of chloride-complexes of indium(III) in the aqueou s phase.