Diisooctylphosphinic Acid (Cyanex 272)

Cyanex 272 – High-Selectivity Solvent Extraction Reagent for Metal Separation

Basic Information

• Product Name: Diisooctylphosphinic acid (Cyanex 272)

• CAS Number: 83411-71-6

• Appearance: Clear, viscous liquid (typically)

• Molecular Weight: ~290 g/mol (approximate)

• Solubility: Soluble in organic solvents; insoluble in water.

Overview
Cyanex 272 is a proven, highly selective solvent extraction reagent belonging to the organophosphorus acid class. It has established itself as the industry standard for the separation of cobalt from nickel in both sulfate and chloride media. Currently, it is used in the production of the majority of the world's cobalt, making it an essential component in the battery and superalloy supply chains.

Key Performance Features

• Exceptional selectivity: Efficiently separates Co(II) from Ni(II) with high separation factors, even in complex solutions.

• Versatile applications: Effective in sulfate and chloride environments, allowing use in various hydrometallurgical flowsheets.

• Zinc extraction: Capable of extracting zinc in the presence of calcium and cobalt, adding value in polymetallic ore processing.

• Rare earth separation: Selectively separates heavy rare earth elements, particularly thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), and lutetium (Lu), from each other and from lighter lanthanides.

• High loading capacity: Enables efficient metal transfer and stripping, reducing reagent consumption.

Applications

• Cobalt-nickel separation: Primary use in the purification of nickel and cobalt solutions for battery materials, superalloys, and catalysts.

• Zinc recovery: Extraction of zinc from acidic leach solutions, especially when calcium and cobalt are present.

• Heavy rare earth processing: Separation of Tm, Yb, and Lu for high-purity rare earth production used in phosphors, lasers, and electronics.

• Other metal separations: Can be applied to separate other transition metals under appropriate conditions.

Typical Process Conditions

• pH range: 3–6 (depending on metal and media)

• Temperature: Ambient to 40°C

• Diluents: Aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., kerosene, toluene)

• Stripping agents: Mineral acids (e.g., H₂SO₄, HCl) for metal recovery.

Handling and Storage

• Store in a cool, dry place away from strong oxidizers and bases.

• Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent contamination and evaporation.

• Use standard chemical handling precautions (gloves, goggles, protective clothing).

Packaging
Available in 200 L drums, IBC containers, and bulk quantities. Custom packaging upon request.

Quality Assurance
Each batch is tested for active content, acid number, and extraction performance to ensure consistent separation efficiency.