The ratio of the concentration of a substance in a single definite form, A, in the
extract to its concentration in the same form in the other phase at equilibrium, e.g.
for an aqueous/organic system:
Notes:
is sometimes called the distribution constant;
this is a good synonym. The terms distribution coefficient,
distribution ratio,
partition constant
and extraction constant should not be used as synonyms for partition ratio.
-
The use of the inverse ratio (aqueous/organic) may be appropriate in certain cases,
e.g. where the organic phase forms the feed but its use in such cases should be clearly
specified. The ratio of the concentration in the denser phase to the less dense phase
is not recommended as it can be ambiguous.
-
If the pure solvent and infinitely dilute feed are taken as the standard states,
as the total concentration of dissolved materials decreases.
Source:
PAC, 1993, 65, 2373
(Nomenclature for liquid-liquid distribution (solvent extraction) (IUPAC Recommendations
1993))
on page 2385
