The different solvent extractants for nickel and cobalt recovery have been studied. Extraction behavior of nickel and cobalt has been carried out with LIX 84 and compared with an our laboratory synthesized  extractants of stearyl ketone to establish on optimum condition for effective separation. Experimental data have been analyzed graphically and numerically to determine the stoichiometry of the extraction species. The synthesized extractant is characterized with I.R. Spectrometer and H1NMR spectrometer. The extraction of nickel and cobalt steryl ketone and LIX 84 proceed through a cation exchange mechanism. Cobalt and Nickel were extracted with steryl ketone and LIX 84 according to the following the reactions
(Co+2)aq  +  2(RH)0rg  = (CoR2)0rg   +  2(H+)aq
(Ni+2)aq   +    2(RH)0rg = (NiR2)0rg   +  2(H+)aq [R= Steryl ketone]
(Co+2)aq  +  2(LH)0rg  = (CoL2)0rg   +  2(H+)aq
(Ni+2)aq   +  2(LH)0rg    = (NiL2)0rg   +  2(H+)aq    [L= LIX 84]
Dependence of the type of extractant and pH on metal recovery is studied and reported.