Term: extractant
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.E02299

Definition:
The active component(s) primarily responsible for transfer of a solute from one phase to the other.

Notes:
0) The term extracting agent is a synonym but solvent and ligand should not be used in this context.
1) Certain extractants that consist of liquids immiscible with water (e.g. tributyl phosphate or certain @K03386@) might comprise the only component of the initial organic phase but extractant(s) can also be dissolved in diluent.

Related Terms:
1) ketones (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.K03386).

Source: Orange Book, 2nd ed., p. 91 (https://media.iupac.org/publications/analytical_compendium/)

Citation: 'extractant' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.E02299

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