... process is that the copper ore separates out into its different elements. The solution contains Fe2+, Cu2+, Fe3+ and SO42- ions. Copper ions can be selectively removed from a bacterial leaching solution by a process called LIGAND EXCHANGE SOLVENT EXTRACTION. A ligand is a compound with a lone pair of electrons that binds to metal ions. A complex is formed in which the central mental ions are surrounded by a number of ligands. A good ligand compound for copper is mixed with an organic solvent, which is immiscible in water such as kerosene. When this solution is mixed with water a reaction takes place in which the copper attaches to the ligand compound. The following reaction takes place: Cu2+(aq) + 2LH(organic) CuL2(organic) + 2H+(aq) Where L represents the ligand. The effect of this reaction is transferring the copper from a low concentration in the solution to a high concentration in the organic solvent. The ...

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