1991 Volume 24 Issue 1 Pages 58-62
The extraction of cobalt and hydrochloric acid from acid solution by tri-n-octylmethylammoniuin chloride (TOMAC) was studied, employing diluents with differing solvating characteristics to the quaternary salt such as benzene and chloroform. The association of the extractant in each diluent is taken into account and only the monomeric species of the extractant is considered to take part in the extraction of acid and cobalt in both diluents. A simple scheme for extraction of cobalt occurring in both diluents is presented which assumes that the extraction occurs via replacement of water in the salt hydration sphere by cobalt chloride. This scheme can express the extraction of cobalt over the whole range of cobalt loading of the extractant and the liberation of water and acid with the progress of cobalt loading from the organic solution in both diluent systems.
