In this work, the possibility of separation of Zn2+ and Cd2+ metal ions from chloride (brine) solutions was examined. For this purpose, simple solvent extraction (SX) experiments by di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) in kerosene as a diluent was performed on synthetic and industrial chloride solution obtained from brine leaching of zinc filter cakes (by-product of zinc hydrometallurgical processing). The optimal conditions for separation were determined. The zinc extraction efficiency was 99% with negligible co-extraction of cadmium. Therefore, a high Delta pH(0.5) value for Zn(II) and Cd(II) was achieved. FT-IR and slope analysis indicated that ZnClA center dot 3HA and CdClA center dot 3HA species were probably extracted. (C) 2019 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.