The process of transferring a substance from any matrix to an appropriate liquid phase.
If the substance is initially present as a solute in an immiscible liquid phase the
process is synonymous with
liquid-liquid extraction.
Notes:
-
If the extractable material is present in a solid (such as a crushed mineral or an
ore) the term leaching may be more appropriate. The extractable material may also
be a liquid entrapped within or adsorbed on a solid phase.
-
Common usage has established this term as a synonym for liquid-liquid distribution.
This is acceptable provided that no danger of confusion with extraction from solid phases exists in a given context.
Source:
PAC, 1993, 65, 2373
(Nomenclature for liquid-liquid distribution (solvent extraction) (IUPAC Recommendations
1993))
on page 2379