Abstract: An adsorbent is described based on an inorganic support material with exchangeable mono- and divalent cations, characterized by the fact that the specific surface of the support material is >100 m.sup.2 /g, its cation exchange capacity is>30 mg-equiv/100 g, its pore volume is>0.15 m/g, the pH value of an aqueous suspension of 8 g of support material in 100 mL of H.sub.2 O is<7.5 and that at least 60, preferably at least 70% of the exchangeable mono- and/or divalent cations are exchanged by cations acting as Lewis acids, preferably Al.sup.3 + cations.

Abstract: An improved finely divided rubber-reinforcing clay mineral composition can be produced by employing a hydrous kaolin clay surface treated with a functional silane, a methylene donor compound such as hexamethylenetetramine, and a multifunctional methylene acceptor such as resorcinol. A novel process of preparation is provided. The improved reinforcing, treated clay filler can be combined with natural or synthetic elastomer compositions which can be cured to elastomer products which have improved physical properties, such as modulus, tensile, tear, wear resistance and/or resistance to heat build-up.

Abstract: A method of reducing the entrainment of aqueous mineral acid solutions in organic extractants used in the solvent extraction of metals from the aqueous fluid is disclosed. The method comprises adding an effective, entrainment prevention amount of a water soluble cationic polymer having a molecular weight of from about 10,000 to about 500,000 to a metal rich aqueous mineral acid solution, immediately prior to, or during mixing with a metal poor organic extractant, and then recovering a metal poor aqueous mineral acid phase, and a metal rich organic extractant phase having a reduced level of entrainment of the aqueous mineral acid solution. In a preferred embodiment the metal is copper, and the polymer is poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride.

Abstract: Process for removing an alkali metal compound from an acid solution also containing nickel and aluminum compounds, which requires contacting the acid solution first with an ion exchange resin functional to remove the nickel and aluminum compounds from the acid solution; and then contacting the acid solution with an ion exchange resin which is more selective to remove the alkali metal compound from the acid solution.

Abstract: Use of diethyl dodecylphosphonate (DEDP) for the extraction of acids and metal salts from aqueous solutions.

Abstract: Thermodynamically-unstable complexing agents which are diphosphonic acids and diphosphonic acid derivatives (or sulphur containing analogs), like carboxyhydroxymethanediphosphonic acid and vinylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, are capable of complexing with metal ions, and especially metal ions in the II, III, IV, V and VI oxidation states, to form stable, water-soluble metal ion complexes in moderately alkaline to highly-acidic media. However, the complexing agents can be decomposed, under mild conditions, into non-organic compounds which, for many purposes are environmentally-nondamaging compounds thereby degrading the complex and releasing the metal ion for disposal or recovery. Uses for such complexing agents as well as methods for their manufacture are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of and apparatus for the continuous and selective separation of boron-10 (B.sup.10) isotope having high neutron capture cross-section from boron-11 (B.sup.10) isotope from a mixture of boron isotopes in a boric acid solution by using a weak base ion exchange resin and water eluant in a continuous annular chromatograph.

Abstract: A process for treating an AB.sub.5 Ni--MH battery to recover purified positive and negative electrode components of the battery is disclosed. An AB.sub.5 Ni--MH battery is placed in a mineral acid leach solution to cause the positive and negative electrode components of the battery to separate. The positive and negative electrode components are maintained in the leach solution until the negative electrode component breaks down into its dissolved rare earth metal constituents and metallic solids. The metallic solids remaining from the negative electrode component and the positive electrode components are separated from the mineral acid leach solution and subjected to an elutriation process and thereafter to ball milling to obtain Ni rich powder and Fe. The mineral acid leach solution containing the completely dissolved rare earth metals is subjected to a phosphate precipitation process to recover La and Ce in precipitate, and then subjected to a second precipitation process to recover Ni, Co, Mn and Al.

Abstract: The invention also relates to a method of recovering the gallium contained in an aqueous solution of strongly alkaline sodium aluminate by chemical exchange between a stationary phase consisting of a microporous adsorbent resin impregnated with 7-(alkyl or alkenyl)-8-hydroxyquinoline and the aqueous phsae of sodium aluminate. According to the invention, the dry resin prior to its impregnation has a specific surface area measured by the BET method which is at least equal to 450 sq.m/g of resin, a pore volume at least equal to 1500 cu.mm/g of resin, a mean pore diameter comprised between 80 and 500 .ANG. with at least 80% of this volume consisting of pores with a diameter comprised between 40 and 5000 .ANG., a rate of expansion of swelling in an aqueous medium which does not exceed 20% and in that it is impregnated with 7-(alkyl or alkenyl)-8-hydroxyquinoline in the proportion of 250 to 350 g/liter of dry resin.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the recovery of indium from aqueous acid solutions. More particularly, it concerns the use of a combination of a dialkyl phosphoric acid and a mixture of trialkyl phosphine oxides to extract indium from acidic sulphate leach liquors.

Abstract: Thermodynamically-unstable complexing agents which are diphosphonic acids and diphosphonic acid derivatives (or sulphur containing analogs), like carboxyhydroxymethanediphosphonic acid and vinylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, are capable of complexing with metal ions, and especially metal ions in the II, III, IV, V and VI oxidation states, to form stable, water-soluble metal ion complexes in moderately alkaline to highly-acidic media. However, the complexing agents can be decomposed, under mild conditions, into non-organic compounds which, for many purposes are environmentally-nondamaging compounds thereby degrading the complex and releasing the metal ion for disposal or recovery. Uses for such complexing agents as well as methods for their manufacture are also described.

Abstract: Process for extracting Ge, Ga, In, As, Sb, Bi, Pt, Pd, Ni, and/or Co from an acid aqueous solution, wherein use is made of a resin with 8-hydroxyquinoline groups, resulting from the reaction of an aminated resin with an aldehyde and 8-hydroxyquinoline, characterized in that the aminated resin itself is obtained by imidoalkylation of a cross-linked styrene-copolymer and an ester or an ether of an N-hydroxyalkylimide and by hydrolysis of the imidoalkylation product.

Abstract: Gallium is efficiently extracted from strongly basic solutions containing aluminates by extractants having the tris- and/or tetrakis(2-hydroxybenzyl)-1,2-diaminoethane chemical moiety. The diaminoethane derivative may be used together with a hydrocarbyl 8-hydroxyquinoline and/or with a tertiary carboxylic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for extracting thallium present especially in aqueous wastes of industrial origin.The process, which makes it possible to extract and recover thallium from a solution which contains it in the form of a salt of a strong inorganic acid, comprises a stage of bringing the said solution into contact with an ion exchange resin containing a thiol group.This process exhibits good selectivity in relation to salts of metals or metalloids which are usually present in industrial aqueous wastes.

Abstract: A method is provided for the nondestructive trivalent cation ion exchange of molecular sieves comprising ion exchanging at least one molecular sieve with at least one trivalent cation, wherein the ion exchange is performed at ion exchange conditions with an ion exchange solution comprising the trivalent cation, a trivalent cation complexing agent, and a suitable amount of a hydroxide-producing component to form an ion exchange solution having a pH ranging from about 4 to about 8.

Abstract: A process is described for recovering metal values, e.g., gallium, contained in an aqueous solution by extraction comprising the steps of contacting the aqueous solution with a water immiscible organic phase comprising a water-insoluble substituted 8-hydroxyquinoline whereby the metal values are transferred into the organic phase; separating the organic phase from the aqueous solution and recovering the metal values from the organic phase. The novel feature comprises recovering the metal values by contacting the organic phase containing metal values with an aqueous solution of a strong base whereby metal values are removed from the organic phase to the aqueous solution with the aqueous solution containing the recovered metal values having a concentration of at least 4.6 moles per liter total hydroxide, and then separating the metal values from the aqueous phase.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the two-phase extraction of metal ions from phases containing solid metal oxides, which is characterized in that the solid metal oxides are brought into contact with a hydroxamic acid, known per se, dissolved in a hydrophobic organic solvent, the phases containing the solid metal oxides and the organic phase are intensively intermixed over a sufficient contact time, after phase-splitting, the organic phase is separated and the metal ions are re-extracted from the organic phase in a manner known per se and processed.The extracting agent used therein and the use of this extracting agent are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for extracting gallium from an aqueous gallium-bearing acidic solution comprises: a) providing a quantity of phosphorus within the aqueous gallium-bearing solution, the phosphorus being provided in an aqueous soluble form and being substantially dissolved within the aqueous solution, the aqueous gallium-bearing solution having dissolved phosphorus defining a first aqueous phase; b) intermixing the aqueous gallium-bearing solution having the quantity of aqueous soluble dissolved phosphorus with a first organic phase comprising a quantity of an alkylated 8-hydroxyquinoline; c) separating the intermixed first aqueous phase and first organic phases into a second aqueous phase and a second organic phase, the quantities of aqueous soluble phosphorus and alkylated 8-hydroxyquinoline being effective to extract gallium from the aqueous gallium-bearing solution to provide a gallium concentration in the second organic phase which is greater than a gallium concentration in the first organic phase and to provide

Abstract: Gallium values are recovered from basic aqueous solutions thereof, e.g., Bayer liquors, by (i) contacting such basic aqueous solution (A) with a medium (I) containing a gallium extractant, whereby the gallium values are transferred to the medium (I), (ii) contacting such gallium-enriched medium (I) with a basic aqueous solution (B) and back-extracting the gallium values into the basic aqueous solution (B), (iii) contacting such gallium-enriched basic aqueous solution (B) with a second medium (II) containing a gallium extractant, whereby the gallium values are transferred to the medium (II), and (iv) contacting such gallium-enriched medium (II) with an aqueous solution (C), which may be acidic or basic, and back-extracting the gallium values into the aqueous solution (C); such gallium-enriched aqueous solution (C) may, for example, be directly electrolyzed to produce gallium metal.

Abstract: A process for selective separation of germanium-68 from proton irradiated molybdenum targets is provided and includes dissolving the molybdenum target in a hydrogen peroxide solution to form a first ion-containing solution, contacting the first ion-containing solution with a cationic resin whereby ions selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, niobium, technetium, selenium, vanadium, arsenic, germanium, zirconium and rubidium remain in a second ion-containing solution while ions selected from the group consisting of rubidium, zinc, beryllium, cobalt, iron, manganese, chromium, strontium, yttrium and zirconium are selectively adsorbed by the first resin, adjusting the pH of the second ion-containing solution to within a range of from about 0.7 to about 3.

Abstract: N-ethyl hydroxamic acids, preferably containing at least 10 carbon atoms, useful as metal chelants for use in organic solvent extractant solutions such as kerosene to extract metals from aqueous solutions by forming complexes of the extracted metal with the N-ethyl hydroxamic acid. Metals can be stripped from complexes of N-ethyl hydroxamic acids at higher concentrations into lower strength acid stripping agents. The N-ethyl hydroxamic acid-containing organic solvent extraction solutions exhibit rapid phase separation from aqueous solutions and resistance to forming emulsions.

Abstract: A process for selective separation of strontium-82 and strontium-85 from proton irradiated molybdenum targets comprises dissolving the molybdenum target in a hydrogen peroxide solution to form a first solution containing ions selected from a group consisting of molybdenum, niobium, technetium, selenium, vanadium, arsenic, germanium, zirconium, rubidium, zinc, beryllium, cobalt, iron, manganese, chromium, strontium, and yttrium; passing the solution through a first cationic resin whereby ions selected from a group consisting of zinc, beryllium, cobalt, iron, manganese, chromium, strontium, yttrium a portion of zirconium and a portion of rubidium are selectively absorbed by the first resin; contacting the first resin with an acid solution to strip and remove the absorbed ions from the first cationic exchange resin to form a second solution; evaporating the second solution for a time sufficient to remove substantially all of the acid and water from the solution whereby a residue remains; dissolving the residue i

Abstract: A process of hydrometallurgical treatment of a solution of materials containing gallium and at least one metalloid from Group V of the periodic table of the elements which comprises adding hydrochloric acid and an alkali metal chloride or an alkaline earth metal chloride to said solution to form gallium chloride so that the concentration of chloride ions, not counting those bonded to gallium, is in a range of from 4 to 10 N and the acidity of said solution is in a range of from 1 to about 5 N. Then placing the adjusted solution in contact with an organic phase comprising at least one neutral pentavalent phosphorus compound having a phosphorus-oxygen double bond, wherein the gallium chloride is extracted by the organic phase and reextracting the gallium from the organic phase.

Abstract: A process for extracting and purifying the gallium contained in an industrial solution of sodium aluminate by fixing the gallium on a stationary phase constituted by porous polystyrene adsorbent resin which is impregnated with an extracting agent, optionally in the presence of a surface-active agent. After elution of the gallium in acid medium, the resultant gallium salt is purified and concentrated so as to be reduced directly to the state of high purity metallic gallium, by electrolysis.

Abstract: An economical process for the removal and destruction of organic impurities present in Bayer process liquor depends upon the use of a hybrid adsorbent. The hybrid adsorbent consists essentially of porous essentially anhydrous particles of alumina having deposited on the surfaces thereof including the pores, an ultrathin layer of carbon atoms which is essentially monomolecular. Such carbonization is effected by cracking a suitable hydrocarbon, preferably a gas, in contact with a hot turbulent fluidized bed of alumina particles. This layer has the unique property of adsorbing far more impurities than the equivalent weight of active carbon, and also oxalate ions which are known not to be adsorbed on carbon. As an ultrathin layer it is too thin to change either the average pore volume or the surface area of the alumina particles substantially, from before they are carbonized.

Abstract: Iron is removed from concentrated alum solutions by contacting said solutions with a polymer containing hydroxamic acid or salt groups.

Abstract: A process for extracting metal values such as gallium and/or indium from aqueous solutions by contacting said solutions with a water immiscible organic solvent having dissolved therein a heterocyclic thione.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of crystalline boehmite of fine particle size and enhanced specific surface area. Coarse gibbsite particles, obtained from the Bayer Process, are lightly calcined and the non-boehmite-containing material is removed by dissolution in caustic aluminate liquors of appropriate composition.

Abstract: A method for recovering a fine particle size fraction of a negatively charged mineral from an ore, such as a kaolin clay crude, which comprises forming an aqueous pulp of the ore, dispersing the pulp by adding thereto sufficient water-soluble organic cationic dispersant to impart a positive zeta potential to said particles and, preferably, an acidic pH to said pulp, removing coarse particles from said dispersed pulp and fractionating the dispersed pulp to separate a fine particle size fraction of mineral particles from coarser particles.

Abstract: Zeolite Y comprising aluminum ions supplied and fixed by ion-exchange is produced by subjecting zeolite NaY to a series of treatment steps comprising e.g. ammonium ion-exchange and calcination. In order to supply and fix the aluminum ions, an aluminum ion-exchange is carried out, followed by further calcination in a saturated or substantially saturated steam (water vapor) atmosphere at 400.degree.-900.degree. C. If the zeolite unit cell size is to be reduced to 24.15-24.35 .ANG., simultaneously as the aluminum ions are fixed, the last-mentioned calcination is carried out in a saturated or essentially saturated (steam) water vapor atmosphere at 500.degree.-900.degree. C. It is further disclosed that the steam used in the calcination step can be supplied either from an external source or solely by vaporization of water present in the zeolite.

Abstract: Gallium is purified by washing organic solutions containing hydroxamic acid complexes of gallium with aqueous solutions, individually or in series, especially amine or ammonia solutions, and dilute acid solutions. The method is applicable to a variety of gallium sources, and capable of producing gallium of extremely high purity, especially with a repetitive procedure.

Abstract: A process for the hydrometallurgical treatment of an indium chloride solution and at least one element selected from the group consisting of tin and antimony comprises the following steps: a) adjustment of the free chloride ion content by addition of alkaline or alkaline earth chloride or a mixture thereof and of their acidity by the addition of hydrochloric acid; b) bringing said indium chloride solution into contact with an organic phase containing dry trialkyl phosphate; c) extraction of said organic phase by bringing the latter into contact with a 0.1 to 3 N hydrochloric acid solution to obtain an indium chloride solution; d) basic extraction using an alkaline metal hydroxyde. Application to extractive metallurgy and recovery of indium and accompanying elements.

Abstract: Gallium values are separated and recovered from basic aqueous solutions thereof, e.g., Bayer process aluminate liquors, by liquid/liquid extracting such a basic aqueous solution with an organic phase containing a substituted hydroxyquinoline gallium extractant dissolved in an organic solvent, and whereby the gallium values, as well as sodium and aluminum values, are transferred into the organic phase, separating the organic phase from the basic aqueous phase, next contacting the organic phase with a medium consisting essentially of water to convert the coextracted sodium values into caustic soda, separating such caustic soda from the organic phase (and optionally recycling same to the Bayer process), and then recovering the gallium values from the organic phase thus stripped of sodium values.

Abstract: A process for recovery of gallium from aqueous solution containing gallium by adsorbing gallium to a chelate resin is disclosed. According to this process, the aqueous solution containing gallium is contacted batchwise with a chelate resin having a high selective adsorptivity for gallium or by flowing the aqueous solution through the resin at a rate of at least 20 parts by volume/hr of the aqueous solution per 1 part by volume of the resin.

Abstract: A method for removing sodium oxalate from a caustic aluminate liquor produced using the Bayer process is disclosed which includes the steps of initially washing all the product aluminum trihydroxide obtained from the precipitation circuit to remove any crystalline sodium oxalate, thereby preventing any further sodium oxalate precipitation within the aluminum trihydroxide precipitators. This causes the dissolved sodium oxalate concentration to rise to a level which is conducive to economic removal of sodium oxalate by side-stream crystallization, without requiring a costly evaporation step. The sodium oxalate may be removed in an amount equal to the new sodium oxalate formed during fresh bauxite digestion, thus maintaining a steady dissolved concentration of sodium oxalate during aluminum trihydroxide precipitation. In addition, the aluminum trihydroxide precipitation circuit may further be stabilized in the crystalline oxalate-free condition by the addition of small amounts of an organic polymer.

Abstract: A process is described for recovering vanadium and zeolitic alumino-silicates from flyash and similar carbon-bearing heat treated materials. The process includes steps for the separation of carbon, followed by pressure leaching the carbon-depleted flyash in relatively dilute alkali metal hydroxide solutions at elevated temperatures. The leach liquor is separated from the residue and is subsequently treated in an amine containing solvent extraction process step for vanadium recovery, and optionally, for other metals present in the leach liquor. The vanadium in the strip liquor is precipitated to obtain vanadium containing compounds.The leach residue is treated separately to recover zeolitic alumino-silicates therefrom.In another variation of the process, the vanadium is recovered from the leach liquor by means of a strong base anoin exchange resin.

Abstract: An improved process of extraction of gallium from aqueous solutions thereof to provide for recovery of the gallium in a very pure form, either as the metal or as the hydroxide. The process involves two extraction steps and two strip or scrub steps employing different extractant in each extraction and an acidic strip step after the first extraction and a basic strip step after the second extraction. The first extraction involves the use of 8-hydroxyquinoline extractant while the second extraction employs an amine extractant. The extraction process is a liquid-liquid process in which the water insoluble extractant compounds are employed in a water insoluble, water immiscible, organic solvent.

Abstract: A polymer which contains amorphous aluminosilicate particles holding metal ions having a bactericidal action is physically stable and enables an ideal antibacterial or bactericidal action by the antibacterial metal ion in an excited state. The polymer is produced by mixing an organic polymer with said amorphous aluminosilicate solid particles before the polymer is molded. Alternatively, the polymer is produced by molding an organic polymer containing amorphous aluminosilicate solid particles, and treating the molded organic polymer with a solution of a water-soluble salt of a metal having a bactericidal action, thereby allowing the metal ions to be held on at least some of the amorphous aluminosilicate solid particles.

Abstract: Gallium-containing waste is chlorinated in the presence of gallium trichloride from the beginning. By this procedure, gallium is more efficiently chlorinated and gallium trichloride is more easily separated from other chlorides and recovered.

Abstract: In the process for recovering gallium from aqueous, alkaline solutions by adsorption of the gallium on to bead-polymerized synthetic resins impregnated with 8-hydroxyquinolines and elution thereof with aqueous acids, the synthetic resins employed according to the invention are macroporous polydivinylbenzene or macroporous divinylbenzene copolymers which have been obtained by bead polymerization of divinylbenzene or mixtures of aromatic mono-, di- and/or trivinylbenzenes containing at least 50% by weight of divinylbenzene, in the presence of methyl isobutyl ketone, and which have been loaded with 160-190 g of Kelex 100 per liter of resin; in addition the resin is washed with sodium hydroxide solution after the elution step and before the commencement of each individual service cycle.

Abstract: A process using an extractant, that consists on the one hand of an active component being substituted 8-hydroxyquinoline and on the other hand of by-products of the manufacture of said extractant, said process being characterized in that the extractant contains at least 90 wt % of the active component.

Abstract: Gallium and rare earth values are recovered from oxide mixtures thereof by acidulating/dissolving such admixtures in an acid medium, and then liquid/liquid extracting the resulting solution and ultimately recovering said values from the phases which separate. The subject process is advantageously applied, for example, to the recovery of gallium and gadolinium from the waste fines resulting from the production of the garnets Gd.sub.3 Ga.sub.5 O.sub.12.

Abstract: A process for producing aluminum hydroxide including the steps of:(a) dissolving colorant-containing aluminum hydroxide for forming a solution;(b) treating the solution for collecting colorant into solid phase material;(c) separating the solid phase material from the solution; and(d) precipitating aluminum hydroxide of improved whiteness from the solution.

Abstract: An improved method for selectively rcovering Ge from acidic solution containing Ge and typically Zn, As, Cd, Sb, In, Cu and Fe (II) by multistage, countercurrent liquid-liquid extraction is described. The extractant used in the organic phase is an oxime, for example, 5,8-diethyl-7-hydroxy-6-dodecanone oxime, mixed with at least one alkylphosphoric acid, for example either di-2-ethylhexyl phosphate alone or admixed with mono-2-ethylhexyl phosphate, dissolved in a hydrocarbon diluent. This mixed system shows better efficiency and selectivity for germanium than known systems using either oximes or alkylphosphoric acids separately.

Abstract: A process is described for recovering gallium from a basic aqueous sodium aluminate solution by means of liquid-liquid extraction, in which process the aqueous sodium aluminate solution to be extracted is brought into contact with a water-insoluble extraction solution, comprising essentially a water-insoluble substituted hydroxyquinoline and a selected water-insoluble aldoxime as extractant, and a water-insoluble organic solvent for the extractant, the organic phase is separated off from the aqueous phase after bringing the two solutions into contact, and the gallium is recovered from the organic phase.

Abstract: A method for recovering gallium, which comprises a capturing step of contacting an aqueous solution containing gallium to a chelating agent containing a water-insoluble substituted quinolinol as the active ingredient, to let the chelating agent capture gallium, and an eluting step of contacting an eluting solution composed of an aqueous solution of an acid or strong base containing said substituted quinolinol, to the chelating agent from the capturing step, to elute gallium therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recovering gallium values contained in a basic aqueous solution by liquid/liquid extraction thereof. The liquid/liquid extraction process comprises contacting the basic aqueous solution with a water-immiscible, organic phase comprising a substituted hydroxyquinoline dissolved in an organic solvent therefor whereby gallium is extracted into the organic phase. Thereafter, the organic phase is separated from the basic aqueous phase and the gallium recovered from the separated organic phase. The improvement in process of the present invention comprises the organic phase further comprising dissolved therein an organic dioxime compound.

Abstract: Gallium values are separated and recovered from strongly basic aqueous solutions thereof, e.g., Bayer process aluminate liquors, by (i) contacting such basic solution with an organic phase comprising an organic extractant and an organic solvent and liquid/liquid extracting gallium values therefrom, and permitting phase separation into an aqueous phase and an organic phase containing said extracted gallium values; (ii) contacting said organic phase with a solution of an acid halide in part comprising acidic phase recycled from the below stage (iv), after the selective extraction thereof, and liquid/liquid extracting gallium values therefrom, and permitting phase separation into a second organic phase and an acid phase containing said extracted gallium values; (iii) adjusting the halide ion concentration of the acidic gallium phase; (iv) selectively extracting gallium values from said acidic gallium phase; and (v) recovering such selectively extracted gallium values.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for producing dispersions of vermiculite ore particles by intercalating organo-cation salts into the vermiculite structure under shearing conditions to delaminate the ore and reduce particle size in one step.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of a metal from an organic complex thereof, said method comprising treating the complex with a weakly acid aqueous solution of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride having a chloride content of at least 4 molar whereby said complex is decomposed and metal ions are transferred to the aqueous solution.