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Abstract

Copper is preferentially extracted from iron in an aqueous feedstock solution containing dissolved copper and iron values by contacting the feedstock solution with a water-immiscible organic solution comprised of a hydrocarbon solvent and a compound of the formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.5 is a C.sub.1-22 linear or branched alkyl group, a C.sub.2-22 linear or branched alkenyl group, a C.sub.6 aryl group, a C.sub.7-22 aralkyl group, a halogen, OH or --OR.sup.6 wherein R.sup.6 is a C.sub.1-22 linear or branched alkyl group, a C.sub.2-22 linear or branched alkenyl group, a C.sub.6 aryl group, a C.sub.7-22 aralkyl group; R.sup.1 is hydrogen, or a C.sub.1-22 linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group, a C.sub.6 aryl group or a C.sub.7-22 aralkyl group; R.sup.2 -R.sup.4 is hydrogen, halogen, a linear or branched C.sub.6-12 alkyl group, --OR.sup.6 wherein R.sup.6 is a C.sub.1-22 linear or branched alkyl group, a C.sub.2-22 linear or branched alkenyl group, a C.sub.6 aryl group, or a C.sub.7-22 aralkyl group to form an aqueous phase comprised of iron and an organic phase comprised of the hydrocarbon solvent and a copper-extractant complex wherein the copper-extractant complex is soluble in the hydrocarbon solvent. The R.sup.2 -R.sup.5 groups are chosen so that the copper-extractant complex is soluble in the hydrocarbon solvent. After the extraction stage is completed and the organic and aqueous phases separate, the organic phase is substantially free of iron and/or an iron-extractant complex.

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First Claim