By

Rakibul Islam I Shafiul Alam I Shefaul Islam I Nadia Munsef I Masudul Huda Khan I Abdullah al Faruk

Liquid-liquid extraction is a reliable process of extracting a targeted compound from a solution, with the help of another solvent which is immiscible with the former, but has higher affinity to the targeted compound.

The solute should be soluble in both solvents.

The solute must have higher affinity for the 2nd solvent The solvents should be immiscible. The solution should be diluted.

Faster extraction process

Simple instrument s are used

Small amount of solvent is required

Easier than other extraction processes

The simplified principle of liquid-liquid extraction is given bellow :

Liquid-Liquid Extraction

Solution (Feed phase)

After extraction

Raffinate 2nd Solvent (Solvent phase)

After extraction

Extract

Nernsts distribution law :

Kp = Co/Caq

Kp = Partition coefficient/distribution constant Co= Concentration of the analyte present in the organic phase Caq = Concentration of the analyte present in the aqueous phase

The Nernst distribution law possesses following limitations:

Only applicable to very dilute solutions

Does not hold good when the disturbing substances encounters association or distribution in either phases

2. Gentle agitation to increase the surface area

1. Addition of 2nd solvent in the solution in a separator y funnel

3. Separation of two phases

4. Isolation of the targeted compound

Error due to volume change:

Effectiveness of an extraction:
The effectiveness of an extraction is solely depend upon the volume of the solvents. It can be calculated by appropriate partition coefficient.

Volumes are measured initially and it is used in calculation. The phase is separated and diluted to a known volume. Marker substances can be used

Solubility

Miscibility

Density

: Factors responsible for slow-coalescence :

1. Finely divided powders of alumina, gelatin, acacia etc

3. Ionic species may get absorbed and accumulate around the droplets.

2. Surfactants which can stabilize the emulsion.

Gentle and cautious agitation,

Large contact surface between the solvent,

finely divided compound s should be removed,

emulsifying agents should be removed by adsorbent

Mechanical means, Centrifugation, Addition of monovalent and divalent ions, Ethanol or higher alcohol, Silicone-defoaming agent, Thermal shock, Altering the ratio of the solvents, Thin-bed of an adsorbent

Effect of temperature

Liquid-Liquid Extraction

Effect of PH