Silicate, phosphate and carbonate mineral dissolution behaviour in the presence of organic acids: A review

Formic and acetic acids had the greatest impact on minerals composed of group I and II elements, while citric, oxalic, EDTA and salicylic acids represent the most promising options for transition metal and lanthanide-based minerals. The variation between the effect of the acids and a degree of the selective nature of their effect can be attributed to differences in the stability of the metal-ligand complex formed. pH plays a highly significant role, assisting the dissolution through, altering the dissociation of the acids, modifying the surface charge of the mineral, acid attack, maintaining the solubility of other dissolved ions and/or altering the mechanism involved. The crystal structure and secondary reactions occurring with other constituents in the mineral alter their amenability to dissolution in organic acids.