The synergistic extraction of thorium(IV) and uranium(VI) with mixtures of 3-phenyl-4-benzoyl-5-isoxazolone and crown ethers

The extraction of thorium(IV) and uranium(VI) from nitric acid solutions has been studied using mixtures of 3-phenyl-4-benzoyl-5-isoxazolone (HPBI) and dicyclohexano-18-crown-6, benzo-18-crown-6, dibenzo-18-crown-6 or benzo-15-crown-5. The results demonstrate that these metal ions are extracted into chloroform as Th(PBI)(4) and UO(2)(PBI)(2) with HPBI alone and as Th(PBI)(4) . CE and UO(2)(PBI)(2) . CE in the presence of crown ethers (CE). The equilibrium constants of the above species have been deduced by non-linear regression analysis. The addition of a CE to the metal chelate system enhances the extraction efficiency and also improves the selectivities between thorium and uranium. IR spectral data of the extracted complexes were used to further clarify the nature of the complexes. The binding to the CEs by Th(PBI)(4) and UO(2)(PBI)(2) follows the CE basicity sequence but with DC18C6 and DB18C6, steric effects become more important.     

Mixed-valent uranium(IV,VI) diphosphonate: synthesis, structure, and spectroscopy

A mixed-valent uranium(IV,VI) diphosphonate, (H(3)O)(2)(UO(2))(3)U(H(2)O)(2)[CH(2)(PO(3))(2)](3)·6H(2)O (UC1P2S), has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. S-2-butanol was used to reduce uranium VI to IV. The tetravalent uranium centers adopt eight-coordinate geometries, while hexavalent uranyl units are all tetragonal bipyramids. The UV-vis-NIR spectrum of UC1P2S shows absorption features for both U(VI) and U(IV).     

Extraction of uranium(IV) and uranium(VI) by primary and tertiary-amines from sulphate solutions

In developing a method for possible low level isotopic enrichment, which uses to advantage the equilibrium isotope effect observed during U(1V)-U(VI) electron exchange reaction in sulphate solutions, details of a solvent extraction process involving high concentration of a mixture of U(IV) and U(VI) and at low acid concentrations, are described. The extraction behaviour of uranium under these conditions is discussed. During the extraction with amines, U(IV) tended to get oxidised in sulphate solutions.     

Comparative EXAFS investigation of uranium(VI) and -(IV) aquo chloro complexes in solution using a newly developed spectroelectrochemical cell

The coordination of the U(IV) and U(VI) ions as a function of the chloride concentration in aqueous solution has been studied by U L(III)-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The oxidation state of uranium was changed in situ using a gastight spectroelectrochemical cell, specifically designed for the safe use with radioactive solutions. For U(VI) we observed the complexes UO2(H2O)5(2+), UO2(H2O)4Cl+, UO2(H2O)3Cl2(0), and UO2(H2O)2Cl3- with [Cl-] increasing from 0 to 9 M, and for U(IV) we observed the complexes U(H2O)9(4+), U(H2O)8Cl3+, U(H2O)(6-7)Cl2(2+), and U(H2O)5Cl3+. The distances in the U(VI) coordination sphere are U-Oax = 1.76+/-0.02 A, Oeq = 2.41 +/- 0.02 A, and U-Cl = 2.71 +/- 0.02 A; the distances in the U(IV) coordination sphere are U-O = 2.41 +/- 0.02 A and U-Cl = 2.71 +/- 0.02 A.     

Uranium determination in phosphoric acid solutions

In order to determine uranium from raw phosphoric acid solutions, resulted by the sulphuric acid attack of phosphate rocks and the strip solutions of the solvent extraction process for uranium recovery, two classes of analytical methods were established: one for low uranium content in phosphoric acid, and the other for higher uranium concentration in the same medium. The study was based on specific methods, therefore interference probability with other impurities in phosphoric acid medium is low. In the first class, X-ray fluorescence and spectrophotocolorimetric methods were used. X-ray fluorescence was applied on direct raw phosphoric acid solution and raffinate. The last one was associated with solvent extraction [di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate + triocylphosphine oxide] on the U(IV)-Arsenazo III complex in strip. The methods of the second class, were used for strip uranium concentrated solutions: X-ray fluorescence isotopic dilution and mass spectrometry, spectrophotocolorimetry and activation analysis associated with gamma-spectrometry. Here spectrophotocolorimetry involves two methods. The first one is based on the U(IV)-Arsenazo III complex and the other on direct U(IV)—phosphoric acid solutions measurements. A good agreement was obtained in each case for all comparative measurements involving various methods.     

Rapid and selective uranium extraction from aqueous solution under visible light in the absence of solid photocatalyst

Extraction of uranium from radioactive waste-water is of significant importance for environmental protection and the recovery of uranium resource. Different from the previous reports to use the solid absorbent/photocatalyst for U(VI) removal, herein, we proposed a new eco-friendly method for the rapid and selective extraction of uranium from aqueous solutions under visible light without solid materials. At optimal p H value and in the presence of organics like alcohols, the U(VI) could be extracted efficiently to form brown uranium solid over wide uranium concentrations under anaerobic condition and visible light, by utilizing the excitation of the given U(VI) species. With comprehensive modelling of the electronic ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis)properties, it is proved that p H adjusting towards U(VI) could induce efficient ligand-to-metal-charge-transfer(LMCT) within the uranyl complex under visible light and the reduction of U(VI) to form U(V), which can be transformed into U(IV) via disproportionation reaction. The resulting U(IV) in solid phase makes the extraction much more convenient in operation. More importantly, the excellent selectivity for uranium extraction over interfering alkali metal ions, transition metal ions and the lanthanide metal ions shows a powerful application potential.     

A direct route to bis(imido)uranium(V) halides via metathesis of uranium tetrachloride

Metathesis reactions between uranium tetrachloride and lithium 2,6-diisopropylphenylamide in the presence of 4,4'-dialkyl-2,2'-bipyridyl (R(2)bpy; R = Me, (t)Bu) or triphenylphosphine oxide (tppo) appear to generate bis(imido)uranium(IV) in situ. These extremely reactive complexes abstract chloride from dichloromethane to generate U(NDipp)(2)Cl(R(2)bpy)(2) or U(NDipp)(2)Cl(tppo)(3) (Dipp = 2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3)). The preparation of the bromide and iodide analogues U(NDipp)(2)X(R(2)bpy)(2) was achieved by addition of CH(2)X(2) (X = Br, I) to the uranium(IV) solutions. The uranium(V) halides were characterized by X-ray crystallography and found to exhibit linear N-U-N units and short U-N bonds. Electrochemical measurements were made on the chloride bipyridine species, which reacts readily with iodine or ferrocenium to generate bis(imido)uranium(VI) cations.     

Aqueous coordination chemistry and photochemistry of uranyl(VI) oxalate revisited: a density functional theory study

Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we revisited a classical problem of uranyl(VI) oxalate photochemical decomposition. Photoreactivities of uranyl(VI) oxalate complexes are found to correlate largely with ligand-structural arrangements. Importantly, the intramolecular photochemical reaction is inhibited when oxalate is bound to uranium exclusively in chelate binding mode. Previously proposed mechanisms involving a UO(2)(C(2)O(4))(2)(2-) (1:2) complex as the main photoreactive species are thus unlikely to apply, because the two oxalic acids are bound to uranium in a chelating binding mode. Our DFT results suggest that the relevant photoreactive species are UO(2)(C(2)O(4))(3)(4-) (1:3) and (UO(2))(2)(C(2)O(4))(5)(6-) (2:5) complexes binding uranium in an unidentate fashion. These species go through decarboxylation upon excitation to the triplet state, which ensues the release of CO(2) and reduction of U(vi) to U(v). The calculations also suggest an alternative intermolecular pathway at low pH via an electron transfer between the excited state *UO(2)(2+) and hydrogen oxalate (HC(2)O(4)(-)) which eventually leads to the production of CO and OH(-) with no net reduction of U(VI). The calculated results are consistent with previous experimental findings that CO is only detected at low pH while U(IV) is detected only at high pH.     

Extraction of Th,Pa, U,and Np by PMBP from aqueous solutions at short phase contact times

The extraction properties of Th/IV/, Pa/V/, U/VI/ and Np from nitric acid solutions into 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoylpyrazolone-5 /PMBP/ in toluene were studied, using singlestep batch and continuous H-centrifuge methods. The effects of acid and extractant concentration, temperature and phase contact time on the extraction were investigated.     

The synergic extraction of uranium(VI) with solutions of trioctylphosphine oxide and benzoic acid in carbon tetrachloride

The synergic extraction from perchlorate media of uranium(VI) with solutions of trioctylphosphine oxide and benzoic acid in carbon tetrachloride media is studied. The concentrations of the different species of the two extractants and their distribution in the extraction systems are calculated. The values obtained together with the distribution coefficients determined for uranium are used to determine the composition of the synergic adduct and to calculate the extraction constant. The conditions for the destruction or the synergism in these systems are clarified.     

Extraction Mechanism of Uranium(VI) with Di(1-Methylheptyl)Phosphoric Acid

The extraction of U(VI) from nitric acid solutions with di-(1-methylheptyl) phosphoric acid has been investigated. The dependence on nitric acid concentration, DMHPA concentration and temperature has been considered and the infra-red spectra of extracted species and extractant were recorded. The mechanism of extraction is discussed in the light of the results obtained.     

LIX 84 as an extractant for throium(IV), uranium(VI) and molybdenum(VI)

The extraction order of Th(IV), U(VI) and Mo(VI) based on pH_0.5 values is Mo(VI)>U(VI)>Th(IV). Quantitative extraction has been observed for U(VI) by mixture of 10% (v/v) LIX 84 and 0.1M dibenzoylmethane at pH 4.2 and by mixture of 10% LIX 84 and 0.05M HTTA in the pH range 5.5–7.3 and for Mo(VI) by 10% LIX 84 from chloride media at pH 1.5. The order of extraction of Mo(VI) from 1N acid solutions is HCl>H₂SO₄>HNO₃>HClO₄ and extraction decreases very rapidly with increase in the concentration of HCl as compared to that from H₂SO₄, HNO₃ and HClO₄ acid solutions. The diluents C₆H₆, CCl₄ and CHCl₂ are found to be superior ton-butyl alcohol and isoamyl alcohol for extraction of Mo(VI). Influence of concentration of different anions on the extraction of U(VI) and Mo(VI) has been studied. Very little extraction has been observed in case of Th(IV) by LIX 84 or its mixtures with other chelating extractants or neutral donors.     

Deviation between the chemistry of Ce(IV) and Pu(IV) and routes to ordered and disordered heterobimetallic 4f/5f and 5f/5f phosphonates

The heterobimetallic actinide compound UO(2)Ce(H(2)O)[C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(2)](2)·H(2)O was prepared via the hydrothermal reaction of U(VI) and Ce(IV) in the presence of 1,2-phenylenediphosphonic acid. We demonstrate that this is a kinetic product that is not stable with respect to decomposition to the monometallic compounds. Similar reactions have been explored with U(VI) and Ce(III), resulting in the oxidation of Ce(III) to Ce(IV) and the formation of the Ce(IV) phosphonate, Ce[C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(PO(3)H(2))][C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(PO(3))]·2H(2)O, UO(2)Ce(H(2)O)[C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(2)](2)·H(2)O, and UO(2)[C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(2)](H(2)O)·H(2)O. In comparison, the reaction of U(VI) with Np(VI) only yields Np[C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(2)](2)·2H(2)O and aqueous U(VI), whereas the reaction of U(VI) with Pu(VI) yields the disordered U(VI)/Pu(VI) compound, (U(0.9)Pu(0.1))O(2)[C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(2)](H(2)O)·H(2)O, and the Pu(IV) phosphonate, Pu[C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(PO(3)H(2))][C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(PO(3))]·2H(2)O. The reactions of Ce(IV) with Np(VI) yield disordered heterobimetallic phosphonates with both M[C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(PO(3)H(2))][C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(PO(3))]·2H(2)O (M = Ce, Np) and M[C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(2)](2)·2H(2)O (M = Ce, Np) structures, as well as the Ce(IV) phosphonate Ce[C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(PO(3)H(2))][C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(PO(3))]·2H(2)O. Ce(IV) reacts with Pu(IV) to yield the Pu(VI) compound, PuO(2)[C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(2)](H(2)O)·3H(2)O, and a disordered heterobimetallic Pu(IV)/Ce(IV) compound with the M[C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(PO(3)H(2))][C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(PO(3))]·2H(2)O (M = Ce, Pu) structure. Mixtures of Np(VI) and Pu(VI) yield disordered heterobimetallic Np(IV)/Pu(IV) phosphonates with both the An[C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(PO(3)H(2))][C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(PO(3))]·2H(2)O (M = Np, Pu) and An[C(6)H(4)(PO(3)H)(2)](2)·2H(2)O (M = Np, Pu) formulas.     

Di(2-ethyl hexyl) butyramide and di(2-ethyl hexyl)isobutyramide as extractants for uranium(VI) and plutonium(IV)

The extraction of uranium(VI) and plutonium(IV) from nitric acid into n-dodecane was studied using two isomeric branched alkyl amides, di(2-ethyl hexyl) butyramide (DEHBA) and di(2-ethyl hexyl) isobutyramide (DEHIBA). The extraction ratios of Pu(IV) at relatively high acidities were higher than the corresponding values for U(VI) in the case of DEHBA. However, with DEHIBA the values for Pu(IV) were negligibly small. Pu(IV) was found to be extracted as trisolvate by DEHBA and as disolvate by DEHIBA. U(VI) was extracted by both the amides. From the study of the extraction reactions at different temperatures, it was shown that all the reactions in the present investigation were enthalpy favoured and entropy disfavoured. Separation of Pu(IV) from bulk of U(VI) was feasible. However, the purity of the separated plutonium was not satisfactory in batch extraction studies.     

Study on the synergic extraction of uranium(VI) with petroleum sulfoxides (PSO) and tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) mixture

The synergic extraction of uranium(VI) from nitric acid solution with petroleum sulfoxides (PSO) and tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) mixture has been studied. It has been found that maximum synergic extraction effect occurs if the molar ratio of PSO to TBP is two to three. The composition of the complex of synergic extraction is UO₂(NO₃)₂·TBP·PSO. The formation constant of the complex isK _PT=8.19. The effect of extractant concentration, nitric acid concentration, salting-out agent concentration and temperature on the extraction equilibrium of uranium(VI) was also studied.     

Synergic Extraction of Uranium Thiocyanate by the Ternary System of ABC Species Composed of PMBP-TBP-(C6H5)4AsCI

The synergic extraction of uranyl thiocyanate with binary system of 1-phenyl-3-methy1~4-benzoylpyrazolone-5 (PMBP)and tributyl phosphate(TBP)or tetraphenylarsonium chloride [(C6H5)4AsCl] and ternary system of PMBP-TBP-(C6H5 )4AsCl was studied.There was an obvious synergic effect of uranium (VI)from thiocyanate medium in binary and ternary systems.The formation of a ternary extracted complex,(C6H5)4AsUO2.(NCS)A2 TBP,was confirmed by the slope method.A method was first proposed for the calculation of the equilibrium constant of ternary synergic reaction.     

Extraction of uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) from nitric acid solution by N-alkylcaprolactam

Extraction of uranium(VI), thorium(IV) from nitric acid has been studied with N-octylcaprolactam and N-(2-ethyl)hexylcaprolactam. Distribution coefficients of U(VI), Th(IV) and HNO₃ as a function of aqueous NHO₃ concentration, extractant concentration and temperature have been studied. The compositions of extracted species, thermodynamic parameters of extraction have been evaluated. Third phase formation in extraction of U(VI) has been studied. Back extraction behavior of U(VI) and Th(IV) from the organic phase has also been tested. The results obtained are compared with those obtained by using TBP under the same experimental conditions.     

Further development in the high-precision volumetric method for the determination of uranium in nuclear-grade uranium compounds

The high-precision uranium determination by reduction with ferrous sulfate in phosphoric acid and titration with dichromate, which is applicable to nuclear-grade uranium compounds in which the uranium exists nearly exclusively as U(IV), has been modified. The modification enlarges the range of applicability of the original method to include the analysis of uranium compounds in which the uranium exists as U(VI) or as a mixture of U(IV) and U(VI), such as U₃O₈. The modified method has the same precision, relative freedom from interferences and applicability for routine use as the original method.     

Iron(II) titration of some metal ions, with oxazine dyes as redox indicators

The use of oxazine dyes as redox indicators in the determination of uranium(VI), copper(II), osmium(VIII), iridium(IV) and thallium(III) with iron(II) as reductimetric titrant in phosphoric acid medium has been investigated. The determination of copper in brass and the analysis of the binary mixtures of U(VI) and U(IV), and of Tl(III) and Tl(I) with this reductant and these indicators have been studied.     

Solvent extraction of neptunium(IV) from nitric acid solutions by sulphoxides and their mixtures

Studies have been performed on the liquid-liquid extraction of neptunium from nitric acid solutions by di-n-hexylsulphoxide (DHSO) di-no-octylsulphoxide (DOSO) and di-iso-amylsulphoxide (DISO) and their mixtures over a wide range of conditions. At a given strength of the extractant, extraction of Np(IV) increases initially rapidly with increase in the acid concentration; at high acidities, above 8M HNO₃, the extraction decreases. Under otherwise identical conditions, extraction increases with an increase in the extractant concentration. The species extracted would appear to be Np(NO₃)₄·2(R₂SO). A mixture of two extractants extracts more than the sum of the extractions due to the individual components at concentrations corresponding to those of the mixture. After loading the organic phase with uranium(VI), extractability of Np(IV) becomes considerably lower. The diminution in extraction with increase in temperature is small. A comparison of the extraction behaviour of Np(IV) with those of Pu(IV), U(VI) and some associated fission products has been made.