Solvent extraction is a separation process that involves dissolving a substance in a liquid solvent to isolate it from a mixture. This technique is commonly used in chemistry and industry to separate valuable compounds from ores, oils, or other materials. The process relies on the differing solubilities of the components in the solvent, allowing for selective extraction. In solvent extraction, two immiscible liquids are typically used: the organic solvent and the aqueous phase. The target substance preferentially dissolves in one of the solvents, making it easier to separate from the other components. This method is efficient and widely applied in fields such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and environmental science.