Two-dimensional (2D) simulations of isothermal liquid-liquid mass transfer subject to surface tension- and buoyancy-driven hydrodynamic instabilities have been carried out. Simulation is based on the numerical solution of 2D equations of momentum and mass transport, using a combination of finite difference and finite volume methods. Two different cases have been considered: (1) buoyancy stable mass transfer, only surface tension-driven convection occurs; (2) surface tension-driven instability superseeded by buoyant convection. The faster attenuation of mass transfer coefficients in buoyancy stable situations is attributed to the merging of convection cells leading to a reduction in the number of renewal zones along the interface. Concentration profiles next to the interface reveal the diffusional nature of the mass transfer in the immediate interfacial neighbourhood. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.