The mass transfer rate of Zn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) between aqueous nitrate solutions and n-dodecane solutions of the organic soluble ligand HDEHP has been investigated using a forced convection, constant interfacial area stirred cell. The distribution ratios necessary to evaluate the kinetic experiments have been determined and the equilibrium constants which describe the heterogeneous complex formation reaction between Zn2+, Co2+, Ni2+and HDEHP have been evaluated. The results have been interpreted according to two limiting models: 1) the mass transfer rate is controlled by slow reversible interfacial reactions, 2) the mass transfer is controlled by interfacial film diffusion. Both models are adequate to Interpret the experimental data. The conclusion Is reached that, if interfacial chemical reactions are rate controlling, rate constants of interfacial complex formation reactions independent of the nature of the cation are obtained. This result supports a reaction mechanism which is rate controlled by the microscopic diffusion of the cation through a viscous and structured layer of interfacial water adjacent to the liquid interface