In this study, n-octylaniline (2% (v/v) in toluene) ligand was used in the solvent extraction of aluminium(III) from aqueous succinate media (0.04 M). The distribution coefficient and distribution ratio were determined as a function of aluminium(III) concentration in the aqueous phase and extractant concentration in the organic phase. It was found that pH does not affect the metal extraction process in the pH range of 5.9-6.2. Aluminium(III) from the organic phase was stripped with 0.1 M EDTA and determined either spectrophotometrically by the Eriochrome Cyanin R method at 535 nm or by complexometric titration. The probable nature of extracted species was determined from log-log plots. Various diluents were checked, toluene gave quantitative extraction of aluminium(III). The metal loading capacity of the reagent was found to be 3 mg of aluminium(III) per 10 mL 2% (v/v) solution of n-octylaniline. The extraction of aluminium(III) was carried out in the presence of various ions to ascertain the tolerence limit of individual ions. Aluminium(III) was successfully separated from commonly associated metal ions such as Fe(III), Zn(II), UJI), Hg(II), Ga(III), ln(III), Tl(l), TI(III), Pb(II), Cu(II), Mn(II), Mg(II), Cr(VI), Sn(IV) and Co(II). The method was extended for the determination of aluminium(III) in real samples like alloys, ores and pharmaceuticals. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.