Extraction of zirconium with tributyl phosphate from nitric acid solutions

The extraction of zirconium with tributyl phosphate (TBP) in organic diluent was studied. The dependence of the distribution ratio of Zr on the TBP concentration in the organic phase and also the IR spectra of Zr-TBP extracts obtained at different concentrations of Zr and HNO₃ in the aqueous phase show that at least two kinds of extractable zirconium nitrate solvates with TBP are formed in extraction with 30% TBP. The solvate formed at HNO₃ concentration not exceeding 3 M contains water molecules. The extract-able species formed at higher nitric acid concentration in the aqueous phase is anhydrous zirconium nitrate disolvate with TBP.