The extraction equilibrium data of lutetium from sodium succinate solution with Aliquat 336 in benzene is systematically investigated. The aqueous phase metal complexation and polymerization in the organic phase are taken into account in obtaining extraction coefficients, stability constants, hydrolysis constants, solubility product, and extraction constants. A thermodynamic model of the above equilibrium extraction data is developed for use in computer simulation of the extraction process. The correlations are based on chemical mass action principles in which the metal complexation in the aqueous phase, polymerization in the organic phase, precipitation in the aqueous phase, and aqueous phase activity coefficients are considered. Extraction behavior of other lanthanides from a succinate medium is also discussed. © 1991, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.