Tributyl phosphate and tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate were efficient and stable SLMs for EME. Phosphates containing alkyl moieties with 12–18 carbon atoms provided successful EME. Phosphates/phosphites with aromatic alkyl moieties were not in favor of EME. Successful SLMs for EME of basic drugs possesses high hydrogen-bonding basicity. Mixture of solvents as SLM may improve the EME performance.