Distribution and liquid–liquid extraction
An extraction distribution ratio D compares total solute concentrations in two immiscible phases.
Key knowledge
An extraction distribution ratio D compares total solute concentrations in two immiscible phases. Speciation changes can make D differ from the partition coefficient of one species. For equilibrium extraction into fresh organic portions, the aqueous fraction after n equal extractions is [Vaq/(Vaq+D Vorg)]ⁿ.
Values and equations
Qaq,n = [Vaq/(Vaq+D Vorg)]ⁿ
- Qaq,n
- fraction remaining in aqueous phase 1
- Vaq,Vorg
- aqueous and each fresh organic volume m³
- D
- total organic/aqueous concentration ratio 1
- n
- number of equal fresh extractions 1
Conditions and scope
- The formula assumes constant phase volumes and D, adequate equilibration and no losses to other phases.
- Acid–base or complexation changes must be included; favourable partition does not imply complete recovery.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Read distribution-versus-partition distinction and mass-balance equations 7.6–7.7; no solvent handling procedure or universal recovery claimed.
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Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- uni-chem-liquid-extraction
- Revision
- core.1
- Structured reference record
- University core expansion