Solvent extraction of copper by hydroxy oximes

Abstract

The solvent extraction equilibrium and kinetics of copper extraction by a proprietary β hydroxybenzophenone oxime, LIX65N, have been studied using an AKUFVE. Addition of an aliphatic hydroxy-oxime, LIX63, to the LIX65N has been shown to enhance the rate of extraction of copper without affecting the equilibrium distribution. Kinetic schemes based on the experimental data are proposed and the observed rate dependencies of LIX65N and LIX63 are shown to correctly predict the measured rate dependence of LIX64N, the proprietary mixture of the two oximes. Activation energies for the extraction reactions are calculated. © 1973.