The preparation of the acid HAlCl/sub 4/ by dissolution of pure aluminum metal chips by anhydrous chloride in dry diethyl ether in an all-glass apparatus and by converting a known tetrachloroaluminate salt such as LiAlCl/sub 4/ and NaAlCl/sub 4/ to the acid is discussed. Evaluation of tantalum-182 as a tracer in the solvent extraction of tantalum chloride from aqueous solutions using organic solvents is naade. The separation of ruthenium chloride from hydrochloric acid solutions by solvent extraction using TBP is reported. The solvent extraction of ferric bromide from aqueous solutions using diethyl ether is discussed. Methods for the analysis of the aqueous and organic phases are described. The visible absorption spectra of the system are evaluated. The distribution of hydrogen bromide between water and diethyl ether is given. (N.W.R.)