Separation of Sc(III) from ZrO(II) by solvent extraction using oxidized Phoslex DT-8

Oxidized di(2-ethylhexyl)dithiophoshate (Phoslex DT-8) in n-hexane is shown to extract Sc(III) greater than 97% in the pH range of 1.01–4.46, while ZrO(II) is not extracted under the same conditions. Phoslex DT-8 was oxidized by blowing air in it, and the percent extraction of Sc(III) increased along with the duration of air-oxidation. The present extraction system can be used to separate Sc(III) from ZrO(II), Ti(III), Y(III) and Al(III) in a single batchwise extraction.

► Sc(III) can be extracted with oxidized Phoslex DT-8 in n-hexane. ► Sc(III) can be stripped from Phoslex DT-8 in n-hexane using 3 M-HCl. ► Single stage separation of Sc from ZrO, Ti, Y and Al has been shown.