Extraction of actinides and fission products from salt solutions using polyethylene glycols (PEGs)

The extraction behavior of several metal ions viz., Am³⁺, Eu³⁺, UO₂ ²⁺, Th⁴⁺, Sr²⁺ and Cs⁺ was investigated from sulphate medium employing phosphotungstic acid (PTA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). The influence of various parameters such as pH, PTA concentration, PEG concentration and salt concentration was studied. The order of extraction followed the trend: Am³⁺>Eu³⁺>>Th⁴⁺>UO₂ ²⁺>Sr²⁺>Cs⁺ which deviate significantly from the reported order with conventional solvents. The relatively poor extraction of UO₂ ²⁺, Sr²⁺ and Cs⁺ was ascribed to their lack of interaction with the phosphotungstate anion. The separation behaviour of Am³⁺ vis-a-vis Eu³⁺ was also investigated under different experimental conditions.     

Redox behavior of europium in the preyssler heteropolyanion [EuP5W30O110 12-

In aqueous, mineral-acid electrolytes, the cyclic voltammetry of the europium-exchanged Preyssler heteropolyanion, [Eu¹¹¹P₅W₃₀O₁₁₀]^12- , is unique among all the other trivalent-lanthanide-exchanged anions. [Ln¹¹¹P₅W₃₀O_ll0 ^12-] for LnCe-Lu. To obtain insights about this issue, we conductedin situ Eu L₃-edge XANES IX-ray absorption near edge structure) spectroelectrochemical experiments on an aqueous solution of[EuP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀]^12- (5.5 mM) in a sup-porting electrolyte of I M H₂SO₄ at two extreme potentials. The results demonstrate that the Eu¹¹¹ ion in the colorless Preyssler anion solution at open circuit potential (+0.21 V vs. Ag/AgCI) is electroactive and is reduced to Eu¹¹ in the resulting heteropoly blue solution through constant-potential bulk elec-trolysis at -0.55 V vs. Ag/AgCI. The reduction is reversible upon complete reoxidation of the reduced anion, the Eu XANES is indistinguishable from that observed at the open circuit potential before electrolysis. This unusual redox behavior of[EuP₅W₃₀O_ll0]^12- may be of technological importance in the area of oxidation catalysis.     

Novel Catalytic Acetylation of Alcohols with Preyssler's Anion, [NaP5Wa30O110]14– 1

Sodium 30-tungstopentaphosphate, the so-called Preyssler's anion with a formula of [NaP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀]^14– (I) catalyzes the acetylation of alcohols (C _n H_{2n + 1}OH, n = 2, 3, 4, 5) with acetic acid. High yield is obtained with I as pure acid or supported on silica. Both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts are discussed and compared. H₁₄[NaP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀], abbreviated as H₁₄-P₅, under homogeneous conditions, as well as supported on silica (heterogeneous conditions) is found to be an excellent catalyst. Our data indicate that, when the ammonium salt of I is employed as the catalyst, the yield increases as the alcohol carbon-chain is increased. This behavior is found to be quite general. The catalysts can be easily recovered and recycled with retention of their initial structure and activity.     

Thermodynamic modeling of actinide complexation with oxalate at high ionic strength

A geochemical model describing the solubility of actinides in underground water at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Project is under development. The database for this model consists of standard chemical potentials and Pitzer model parameters for hundreds of species that may be present in the WIPP disposal room. Organic ligands used in separation and decontamination processes may be present in the nuclear wastes placed in the WIPP site and could have a significant impact on mobile actinide concentrations. In this work the ₁ and ₂ stability constants of NpO₂ ⁺, UO₂ ²⁺, Am³⁺ and Th⁴⁺ with the oxalate anion have been measured in 0.3–5.0M NaCl media at 25 °C by a solvent extraction technique. For the 1:1 complexation, the values of the stability constants increased in the order: NpO₂ ⁺<Am³⁺<UO₂ ²⁺<Th⁴⁺, in accordance with the actinide charge density and reflecting the strongly ionic bonding of the complexes. The Pitzer ionic interaction model was used to model the data. Because the data were collected mainly in the high ionic strength region, values of ⁽¹⁾ were estimated from these plus literature values. The Pitzer model gives a good representation of the data using three interaction parameters ⁽⁰⁾, ⁽¹⁾, and c.     

Thermodynamic and Structural Trends in Hexavalent Actinyl Cations: Complexation of Dipicolinic Acid with NpO22+ and PuO22+ in Comparison with UO22+

The complexation of NpO₂²⁺ and PuO₂²⁺ with dipicolinic acid (DPA) has been investigated in 0.1 M NaClO₄ by spectrophotometry, microcalorimetry, and single crystal diffractometry. Formation of 1:1 and 1:2 (metal/ligand molar ratio) complexes of DPA with NpO₂²⁺ and PuO₂²⁺ were identified and the thermodynamic parameters were determined and compared with those of UO₂²⁺. All three hexavalent actinyl cations form strong 1:1 DPA complexes with slightly decreasing but comparable stability constants from UO₂²⁺ to PuO₂²⁺, whereas the stability constants of the 1:2 complexes (log β₂) decrease substantially along the series (16.3 for UO₂L₂^2?, 15.17 for NpO₂L₂^2?, and 14.17 for PuO₂L₂^2? at 25 °C). The enthalpies of complexation for the 1:2 complexes become less exothermic from UO₂L₂^2? (?28.9 kJ mol^?1), through NpO₂L₂^2? (?27.2 kJ mol^?1), and to PuO₂L₂^2? (?22.7 kJ mol^?1). The trends in the thermodynamic parameters are discussed in terms of the effective charge of the cations and the steric constraints in the structures of the complexes. In addition, the features of the absorption spectra, including the wavelength and intensity of the absorption bands, are related to the perturbation of the ligand field and the symmetry of the actinyl complexes.     

The structures of europium(III)- and uranium(IV) derivatives of [P5w3oo110]15-: Evidence for “cryptohydration”

The crystal structures of (Nh₄)_11.5K_0.5[ Eu(OH₂)P₅W₃₀O₁₁₀] ·24 H₂O, K₅H₅ [Eu(OH₂)P₅W₃₀O₁₁₀] ·31 H₂O, and (NH₄)₁₁[U(OH₂)P₅Wn₃₀O₁₁₀ ·12 H₂O have been determined. In each case, the anion has the overall virtual C_5v symmetry previously observed for the sodium derivative, [NaP₅W_{30 110}]14- The encrypted Eu³⁺ and U⁴⁺cations lie on the C₅ axis, but are displaced further than the Na⁺ from the equatorial plane defined by the five phosphorus atoms. Only minor differences are observed between the structures of the two salts of the europium derivative, although solutions of these display³¹P NMR spectra with chemical shifts differing by 10 ppm, provisionally attributed to the effects of protonation of the anion, The most significant feature of the three new structures is the presence of a water molecule within the central cavity and coor-dinated to the Eu³⁺ or U⁴⁺ cation.The coordination spheres of the central cations can therefore be described as monocapped pentagonal antiprisms.     

Cation-Controlled Assembly of Polyoxotungstate-Based Coordination Networks

The Preyssler polyoxoanion, [NaP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀]¹⁴⁻ ({P₅W₃₀}), is used as a platform for evaluating the role of nonbridging cations in the formation of transition-metal-bridged polyoxometalate (POM) coordination frameworks. Specifically, the assembly architecture of Co²⁺-bridged frameworks is shown to be dependent on the identity and amount of alkali or alkaline-earth cations present during crystallization. The inclusion of Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, or Ca²⁺ in the framework synthesis is used to selectively synthesize five different Co²⁺-bridged {P₅W₃₀} structures. The influence of the competition between K⁺ and Co²⁺ for binding to {P₅W₃₀} in dictating framework assembly is evaluated. The role of ion pairing on framework assembly structure and available void volume is discussed. Overall, these results provide insight into factors governing the ability to achieve controlled assembly of POM-based coordination networks.     

The Mixed Valence Tungsten(IV,V) Compound Na[W2O2Br6]

The reaction of W₆Br₁₂, NaBr, and WO₂Br₂ in the presence of Br₂ in a sealed silica tube yields Na[W₂O₂Br₆] together with WOBr₄ and WO₂Br₂ in the low temperature zone (temperature gradient 1030/870 K). Na[W₂O₂Br₆] crystallizes orthorhombically in the space group Immm (no. 71) with a = 3.775 Å, b = 10.400 Å, c = 13.005 Å and Z = 2. Pairs of condensed trans-[WO₂Br₄] octahedra with a common Br₂ edge form along [100] double chains [W₂O_4/2Br₆]^1– via the oxygen atoms. The mixed valent tungsten atoms are bonded to W₂ pairs with a 2 c–3 e bond (d(W–W) = 2.946 Å, d(W–O) = 1.888 Å, d(W–Br^b) = 2.537 Å, d(W–Br^t) = 2.535 Å, ∢O–W–O = 177.4°, ∢Br^b–W–Br^b (endocyclic) = 109.0°). The Na⁺ cations connect the anionic double chains to form two-dimensional layers parallel (001), which interact by van der Waals forces. The cations are eightfold coordinated by a cube of the terminal Br^t ligands of the polymeric anions (d(Na–Br) = 3.138 Å). Na[W₂O₂Br₆] may be discussed as an intercalation compound of the oxide bromide WOBr₃.     

Treatment of radioactive and industrial liquid wastes by Eichornia crassipes

Chemical factors such as pH, concentration and temperature affecting the removal of UO₂ ²⁺, Th⁴⁺, Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺,Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺, MnO₄ ^- and phenol by Eichornia crassipes aquatic plant from their solutions were examined. Maximum uptake of ions by Eichornia crassipes occurred at pH 4 to 6±0.5 at 25±3 °C. An initial rapid uptake phase for the first 6 hours followed by a slower near linear one was observed. One gram of Eichornia crassipes can accumulate about 25 mg UO₂ ²⁺, 5 mg Th⁴⁺, 30 mg Fe³⁺, 10 mg MnO₄ ^-, 15 mg Cu²⁺, 1.0 mg Pb²⁺, 1.5 mg Ni²⁺, 0.7 mg Cd²⁺ and or 25 mg of phenol.     

Grafting of Secondary Diolamides onto [P2W15V3O62]9− Generates Hybrid Heteropoly Acids

The Dawson tungstovanadate [P₂W₁₅V₃O₆₂]^9? can be grafted to secondary diolamides. The electron‐withdrawing character of the polyanion increases the acidity of the amide proton, leading to an organo‐polyoxometalate, which can be used as a Brønsted organocatalyst. High‐field NMR and DFT modeling indicate that the amide proton stays on the nitrogen and that the exalted acidity derives from the interaction between the organic and inorganic parts of the organo‐polyoxometalate. The amide‐inserted vanadotungstates thus form a new family of (hybrid) heteropolyacids, offering new perspectives for the application of POM‐based catalysis in organic synthesis.     

Cation‐Controlled Assembly of Polyoxotungstate‐Based Coordination Networks

The Preyssler polyoxoanion, [NaP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀]^14? ({P₅W₃₀}), is used as a platform for evaluating the role of nonbridging cations in the formation of transition‐metal‐bridged polyoxometalate (POM) coordination frameworks. Specifically, the assembly architecture of Co²⁺‐bridged frameworks is shown to be dependent on the identity and amount of alkali or alkaline‐earth cations present during crystallization. The inclusion of Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, or Ca²⁺ in the framework synthesis is used to selectively synthesize five different Co²⁺‐bridged {P₅W₃₀} structures. The influence of the competition between K⁺ and Co²⁺ for binding to {P₅W₃₀} in dictating framework assembly is evaluated. The role of ion pairing on framework assembly structure and available void volume is discussed. Overall, these results provide insight into factors governing the ability to achieve controlled assembly of POM‐based coordination networks.     

Silicate complexation of NpO<Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>+</Superscript> ion in perchlorate media

Complexation behavior of NpO₂ ⁺ with ortho-silicic acid (o-SA) has been studied using solvent extraction at ionic strengths varying from 0.10 to 1.00M (NaClO₄) at pcH 3.68±0.08 and 25 °C with bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP) as the extractant. The stability constant value (log β₁) for the 1:1 complex, NpO₂(OSi(OH)₃), was found to decrease with increase in ionic strength of the aqueous phase [6.83±0.01 at I=0.10M to 6.51±0.02 at I = 1.00M]. These values have been fitted in the SIT model expression and compared with similar values of complexation of the metal ions Am³⁺, Eu³⁺, UO₂ ²⁺, PuO₂ ²⁺, Np⁴⁺, Ni²⁺ and Co²⁺. The speciation of NpO₂ ⁺-o-silicate/carbonate system has been calculated as a function of pcH under ground water conditions. On leave from Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai-400 085, India.     

Stabilities of Scandium(III)- and Yttrium(III)-Tiron Chelates and their hydrolytic behavior

The interactions of Sc³⁺ and Y³⁺ ions with disodium 1,2-dihydroxybenzene-3,5-disulfonate (Na₂H₂L, where H₂L_2- = Tiron) were investigated in aqueous solution by means of potentiometric and spectroscopic methods. The coordination of Tiron to Sc³⁺ and Y³⁺ takes place through two phenolic oxygen atoms of catecholate ion in different stoichiometries. Thus, the binding of Tiron to Sc³⁺ occurs either in 1 : 1 or 1 : 2 molar ratios; they have resulted by the formation of [ScL]^- and [ScL₂]^5- type complexes, respectively. On the other hand, Y³⁺ ion behaves like Th⁴⁺ and Ln³⁺ ions toward Tiron. It forms [YL]^-type complex in 1 : 1 molar ratio; but in 1 : 2 or in higher molar ratios, only unique [Y₂L₃]^6- type complex formation takes place. The formation constants of [ScL]^-, [ScL₂]^5-, [YL]^-, and [Y₂L₃]^6- complexes were determined by analysis of the potentiometric data in ionic medium of 0.1 M KNO₃ or NaClO₄ at 25°C. The hydrolytic reactions of Sc(III) and Y(III) complexes with Tiron were determined from potentiometric data and the formation constants of [ScL(OH)]^2- and [YL(OH)]^2- were also calculated.From Koordinatsionnaya Khimiya, Vol. 31, No. 1, 2005, pp. 62–68.Original English Text Copyright © 2005 by Aydin, Türkel, Özer.     

[W4(O)2)(O-i-Pr)8]2 an unusual octanuclear oxo-alkoxide cluster of tungsten

From the reaction between W₄(p-tolyl)₂(O-i-Pr)₁₀ and H₂, in hydrocarbon solvents, the compound [W₄(O)₂(O-i-Pr)₈]₂, 1, has been isolated in ca. 25% yield. Formation of 1 is traced to the decomposition of a compound of formula [W₄O-i-Pr)₁₀] _n , which has been characterized only by¹H NMR spectroscopy. The latter is formed by the stepwise hydrogenolysis of W₄(p-tolyl)₂(O-i-Pr)₁₀ + H₂ W₄(H)(p-tolyl)(O-i-Pr)₁₀ + toluene; W₄(H)(p-tolyl)(O-i-Pr)₁₀ [W₄(O-i-Pr)₁₀] _n + toluene. In the presence of a small amount of H₂O₂ the previously characterized compound W₄(O)(O-i-Pr)₁₀, 2, is formed. The structure of 1 consists of two pseudo W₄ tetrahedra linked through the agency of a pair of alkoxide bridges that bind two tungsten atoms that in turn cap triangles, W₃(O)₂(O-i-Pr)₇, of tungsten atoms. At –176°C the cell dimensions werea=12.600(3),b=14.722(3),c=12.585(2),=119.77(1),Z=1, andd _calcd = 2.240 g cm^–3 in the space group P1¯. The W-W distances within these triangles are ca. 2.9 Å whereas the capping W-W atom distances are ca. 2.5 Å. The¹H NMR spectrum of 1 in benzene-d₆ is consistent with the maintenance of the solid-state structure in solution.     

[Hg6O8]4- Group in Mercury Oxohalides: Real Structures and Quantum-Chemical Calculation

For oxohalides of bivalent mercury [electronic configuration Hg(5d¹⁰)] containing [Hg₄O₅]^2- tetrahedral and [Hg₆O₈]^4- octahedral mercury groups, crystal-chemical and quantum-chemical analyses have been carried out. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the stability of these cluster groups of Hg²⁺ ions primarily depends on the contribution of scalar relativistic corrections and spin-orbital coupling.     

A new paratungstate-A-based organic–inorganic hybrid compound: Synthesis,structure and photocatalytic property of [Co(en)3]2[H2W7O24]·8H2O

A new paratungstate-A-based organic–inorganic hybrid compound with the chemical formula of [Co(en)₃]₂[H₂W₇O₂₄]·8H₂O (en = ethylenediamine) (1) has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by the elemental analysis, IR, TG, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 17.216(3) Å, b = 14.986(3) Å, c = 23.088(8) Å, β = 128.151(2)°, V = 4684.2 Å³, Z = 1, R₁ = 0.0484, and wR₂ = 0.1087. The structure of 1 consists of the [H₂W₇O₂₄]⁴⁻ building blocks and [Co(en)₃]²⁺ metal-organic cationic moieties, which are packed together via the electrostatic forces and extensive hydrogen-bonding interactions to form a three-dimensional supramolecular framework. Interestingly, compound 1 represents the first structurally-defined hybrid compound based on the metastable paratungstate-A polyoxoanions and metal–organic units. The degradation of Rhodamine-B (RhB) under UV irradiation with 1 as the heterogeneous photocatalyst has been investigated, showing a good photocatalytic property of 1 for RhB degradation.     

Stability constants of thorium(IV) complexes with aryl-bis-(5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-4-pyrazolyl) methane ligands

Summary Stability constants of complexes of aryl-bis-(5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-4-pyrazolyl) methane [ArBPyM] derivatives with thorium(IV) ions were determined by the potentiometric method at 30°C and an ionic strength of 0.1 mol·dm^–3 (KNO₃) in 75% (v/v) dioxane-water. The evaluation of the titration data indicated that four kinds of complexes ([ThL]²⁺, [ThLOH]⁺, [ThL ₂], and [ThL(OH)₂]^2–) were formed. The formation constants for all [ThL]²⁺ and [ThL ₂] complexes have been calculated to compare these values with those previously reported [1, 2] with Ln³⁺ and UO ₂ ²⁺ metal ions [2, 3]. The probable ligand-bonding sites of the complexes are proposed. In addition, the applicability of theHammett equation for the correlation of the stability constants of [Th(IV)-ArBPyM] complexes are discussed.

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Stabilitätskonstanten von Thorium(IV)-Komplexen mit Aryl-bis-(5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-4-pyrazolyl)-methan-Liganden

Zusammenfassung Stabilitätskonstanten von Komplexen von Aryl-bis-(5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-4-pyrazolyl)-methan — Derivaten [ArBPyM] mit Thorium(IV) — Ionen wurden bei 30°C und einer Ionenstärke von 0.1 mol-dm^–3 (KNO₃) in 75% (v/v) Dioxan-Wasser potentiometrisch bestimmt. Die Auswertung der Titrationskurven zeigte, daß vier verschiedene Komplexe vorlagen ([ThL]²⁺, [ThLOH]⁺, [ThL ₂] und [ThL(OH)₂]²⁺). Die Bildungskonstanten aller [ThL]²⁺- und [ThL ₂]-Komplexe wurden berechnet, um sie mit den früher für Ln³⁺- und UO ₂ ²⁺ -Ionen publizierten zu vergleichen. Potentielle Bindungsstellen der Komplexe für Liganden werden vorgeschlagen. Zusätzlich wird die Anwendbarkeit derHammet-Beziehung auf die Korrelation der Stabilitätskonstanten von [Th(IV)-ArBPyM] — Komplexen diskutiert.

     

Preparation,Structure and Properties of the One-Dimensional Polymeric Complex Na2[AlW3O4(O2CEt)8]2

Abstract

The heterometallic polymeric cluster Na₂[AlW₃O₄ (O₂CEt)₈]₂ (1) has been prepared by reaction of W(CO)₆ and NaWO₄·2H₂O with AlCl₃ at 120°C in propionic anhydride and characterized by X-ray crystallography, with the following crystal data: triclinic, space group P1, a = 12.205(5), b = 13.032(4), c = 13.925(3) Å, α = 90.21(3)°, β = 109.53(5)°, γ = 117.26(6)°, V = 1822.8(1)ų, Z = 1, R = 0.038 and R_w = 0.101. The structure consists of two triangular [W₃O₄(O₂CEt)₈]^4? cluster unit, which act as polydenate ligands to link Al³⁺ and Na⁺ ions forming a one–dimensional chain structure. IR spectra show characteristic [W₃O₄]⁴⁺ bands at 746–815 cm^?1. Thermal analysis reveals that the complex is air stable up to 250°C. Cluster 1 decomposes in hot aqueous 2 M HCl solution to produce discrete [W₃O₄]⁴⁺ units.     

Supramolecular Association between γ-Cyclodextrin and Preyssler-Type Polyoxotungstate

The development of hybrid materials based on polyoxometalates constitutes a strategy for the design of multifunctional materials. The slow evaporation of an aqueous solution of [NaP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀]¹⁴⁻ in the presence of γ-Cyclodextrin (γ-CD) led to the crystallization of a K₆Na₈{[NaP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀]•(C₄₈H₈₀O₄₀)}•23H₂O (NaP₅W₃₀•1CD) supramolecular compound, which was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR-spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and elemental analyses. Structural analysis revealed the formation of 1:1 {[NaP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀]•[γ-CD]}¹⁴⁻ adduct in the solid state. Studies in solution by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and ³¹P DOSY, have demonstrated weak interactions between the inorganic anion and the macrocyclic organic molecule.