Separation of cerium and europium by extraction with tributyl phosphate and di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid in n-alkane from nitrate solutions

The following extraction systems have been studied: (Ce³⁺+Eu³⁺) (NO₃)-(EDTA, DCTA, DTPA)/TBP in n-alkane and (Ce³⁺+Eu³⁺)(NO₃)/DEHPA in n-alkane at concentration ratios as follows: [Ce³⁺]=trace –1 mol·dm^–3, [Eu³⁺]=trace –0.1 mol·dm^–3. [TBP]=(0.183–1.83) mol·dm^–3, [DEHPA]=(5·10^–3–0.1) mol·dm^–3, [(H, Na)NO₃]=(0.1–6) mol·dm^–3, [Eu³⁺]: [EDTA, DCTA, DTPA]=11–110. The initial concentration of Eu³⁺ in aqueous phase in the extraction system containing a mixture of Ce³⁺ and Eu³⁺ was trace, 1% and 10% compared with the Ce³⁺ concentration. The distribution of the elements between the phases was observed radiometrically using¹⁴¹Ce,¹⁵²Eu and¹⁵⁴Eu. The results are documented by the distribution ratios D_Ce, D_Eu and separation factor =D_Eu/D_Ce as functions of variable parameters of the systems.     

On the characteristics and mechanism of the radiation-induced chain reaction between sulfur dioxide and molecular oxygen in acid solutions

Characteristics of the -induced chain reaction between sulfur dioxide and molecular oxygen in perchloric and sulfuric acid media in the presence of Ce(III) ions have been studied. The concentration effects of dissolved oxygen (0.2·10^–3–9.4·10^–3 mol/dm³, sulfur dioxide (0.3·10^–1–2.0·10^–1 mol/dm³ and Ce(III) (0.2·10^–3–4.8·10^–3 mol/dm³) and dose rate (0.26·10¹⁹–1.0·10¹⁹ eV/dm³·s) on the radiation — chemical yield of oxygen consumption G(–O₂) and accumulation of sulfate G(HSO ₄ ^– ), have been investigated. The reaction proceeds with G(–O₂) reaching 10²–10³ molecule/100eV in a catalytic regime. The reaction rate in perchloric acid medium is 3–4 times lower than that in the sulfuric acid medium and depends on the SO₂, O₂ and Ce(III) concentrations, the reaction order varying from 1.0 to 0 and/or in the reverse direction. The mechanism of the process involves chain propagation with 3 stages and 3 intermediates: SO₃H, HSO₅ and Ce(IV). The catalytic effect is caused by the interaction of HSO₄ with Ce(IV) ions followed by their reduction when interacting with SO₂, yielding SO₃H radicals. Chain termination may be due to one or two of the three intermediates or due to all three particles, the kinetics depending on this. Kinetic equations describing the experimental data have been obtained.     

Mixed Complex Salt [Cu4(SCN2H4)7(NO3)](NO3)(SO4) · 3.3H2O: Synthesis and X-Ray Diffraction Analysis

The complex salt [Cu₄(SCN₂H₄)₇(NO₃)](NO₃)(SO₄) · 3.3H₂O was synthesized via reaction of aqueous solutions of thiourea with copper nitrate at 80°C and studied using X-ray diffraction analysis. The conditions and reasons for the partial oxidation of thiourea to sulfate ions were established. The crystals are monoclinic: a = 12.6072(7) Å, b = 15.4265(8) Å, c = 22.108(1) Å, = 120.133(6)°, space group P2₁/c, Z = 4. The crystal structure consists of [Cu₄(SCN₂H₄)₇(NO₃)]³⁺ complex cations, SO₄ ^2–, and NO₃ ^– anions, and molecules of the water of crystallization. Three types of coordination of the Cu atom were distinguished in the structure: trigonal (Cu–S 2.213–2.279 Å), tetrahedral (Cu–S 2.315–2.459 Å), and trigonal–pyramidal (3+1) (Cu–S 2.26–2.288, Cu–O 2.68 Å). The NO₃ ligand was found to be orientationally disordered.     

Der Einfluß des Mediums auf die Kinetik der katalytischen Oxydation des Thalliums(I) durch Cer(IV)

The influence of NaClO₄, Na₂SO₄, Ce₂(SO₄)₃, H₂SO₄, and HClO₄ on the oxidation of Tl(I) by Ce(IV) in the presence of Mn(IV) as a catalyst was investigated. It was found that in the presence of NaClO₄ and HClO₄ the existence of CeSO₄ ²⁺ facilitated the reaction progress. An increase of the SO₄ ^2– concentration favours the formation of negative complexes of Ce(IV) and Ce(III) such as Ce(SO₄)₃ ^2–, HCe(SO₄)₃-, and Ce(SO₄)₂- inhibiting the course of the reaction.

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Mit 2 Abbildungen     

Double sulfates of some rare earths with tetramethylammonium

Double sulfates of rare earths and tetramethylammonium with empirical formula (CH₃)₄NLn(SO₄)₂ · 3H₂O (Ln=Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb and Dy) were synthesized and studied by the methods of TG, DTG and DTA in the temperature range from 20 to 500°C, and by X-ray powder diffraction and chemical analysis. Two isostructural groups were obtained: one from Ce to Eu and another from Gd to Dy. It was found that rare earth sulfates are obtained as final products at 500°C. For comparison, TG, DTG and DTA curves of the thermal decomposition of tetramethylammonium sulfate are given.

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Zusammenfassung Doppelsulfate von Seltenerden und Tetramethylammonium der empirischen Formel (CH₃)₄NLn(SO₄)₂ · 3H₂O mit Ln=Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb und Dy wurden synthetisiert und im Temperaturbereich 20–500°C mittels TG, DTG und DTA, weiterhin mittels Röntgenpulverdiffraktion und chemischer Analyse untersucht. Es wurden zwei isostrukturelle Gruppen erhalten, die eine von Ce bis Eu, die andere von Gd bis Dy. Man fand, daß man bei 500°C als Endprodukt die Seltenerdensulfate erhält. Zum Vergleich wurden die TG-, DTG- und DTA-Kurven der thermischen Zersetzung von Tetramethylammoniumsulfat gegeben.

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Financial support by the Research Council of Slovenia is gratefully acknowledged.     

Quantitative chemical analysis on paper: Determination of phosphate in the presence of large quantities of other ions

Summary A rapid method has been developed for the determination of phosphate by means of filter paper impregnated with lead iodide. A sample is added to the impregnated filter paper by means of a capillary, and after irrigation to cause migration of the ions a white spot is obtained as the lead iodide is converted into the phosphate. The weight of the spot is dependent on the p_H and the quantity of phosphate present.The determination is possible in the presence of SCN^–, Cl^–, Br^–, NO₃ ^–, CO₃ ^–, I^–, IO₃ ^–, CH₃COO^–, B₄O₇ ^2–, F^–, Sb₂O₇ ^4–, K⁺, Na⁺, NH₄ ⁺, OH^–, H⁺, succinic, citric and tartaric acids. The determination is impossible in the presence of C₂O₄ ^2–, SO₄ ^2–, MoO₄ ^2–, NO₂ ^–, SO₃ ^2–, S^2–, CrO₄ ^2–, or CO₃ ^2–.The method permits the determination of 7–100g of phosphate with an accuracy of 2%.

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Zusammenfassung Ein schnelles Verfahren zur Phosphatbestimmung wird besehrieben, bei dem man sich eines mit Bleijodid imprägnierten Filterpapiers bedient. Die Probe wird mit einer Kapillare auf das Papier aufgebracht. Man erleichtert die Ionenbewegung durch geeignete Befeuchtung und erhält einen weißen Fleck infolge Umsetzung des Bleijodids in -phosphat. Das Gewicht des Fleckens hängt vom p_H und von der Phosphatmenge ab.Die Bestimmung ist möglich in Gegenwart von SCN^–, Cl^–, Br^–, NO₃ ^–, CO₃ ^–, J^–, JO₃ ^–, CH₃COO^–, B₄O₇ ^2–, F^–, Sb₂O₇ ^4–, K⁺, Na⁺, NH₄ ⁺, OH^–, H⁺, Bernsteinsäure, Zitronensäure und Weinsäure; sie ist nicht möglich bei Gegenwart von C₂O₄ ^2–, SO₄ ^2–, MoO₄ ^2–, NO₂ ^–, SO₃ ^2–, S^2–, CrO₄ ^2– oder CO₃ ^2–. 7 bis 100g Phosphat können mit einer Genauigkeit von 2% bestimmt werden.

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Résumé On a développé une méthode rapide pour le dosage des phosphates sur papier-filtre imprégné d'iodure de plomb. On dépose l'échantillon sur le papier-filtre imprégné, à l'aide d'un capillaire, et, après humidification pour provoquer la migration des ions, on obtient une tache blanche quand l'iodure de plomb est converti en phosphate. Le poids de la tache dépend du p_H et de la quantité de phosphate présent.Le dosage est possible en présence de SCN^–, Cl^–, Br^–, NO₃ ^–, CO₃ ^–, I^–, IO₃ ^–, CH₃COO^–, B₄O₇ ^2–, F^–, Sb₂O₇ ^4–, K⁺, Na⁺, NH₄ ⁺, OH^–, H⁺, et des acides succinique, citrique et tartrique. Il est impossible en présence de C₂O₄ ^2–, SO₄ ^2–, MoO₄ ^2–, NO₂ ^–, SO₃ ^2–, S^2–, CrO₄ ^2– ou CO₃ ^2–.La méthode permet le dosage de 7 à 100g de phosphate avec une précision de 2%.

     

Gamma-ray induced decomposition of double nitrates of lanthanides with univalent and divalent cations

Double nitrates of Na and K having the composition 2M^INO₃·Ln^III(NO₃)₃·2H₂O(Ln^III=Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb and Dy) and of Ni and Cu with the composition 3M^II(NO₃)₂·2Ln^III(NO₃)₃·24H₂O (Ln^III=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb and Dy) have been prepared and their -radiolytic decomposition studied up to 500 kGy. G(NO ₂ ^– ) values of K double nitrates at 230 kGy follow the order Dy³⁺>Pr³⁺=Nd³⁺=Sm³⁺>Tb³⁺>Eu³⁺> Gd³⁺·G(NO ₂ ³⁺ ) for NI double nitrates are higher than those of Cu double nitrates. Variation of G(NO ₂ ^– ) with cationic radii and the number of f electrons in lanthanide ion show a minimum at Eu. Thermal decomposition studies of double nitrates were also carried out.     

Osmium(VIII) mediated oxidation of mercury(I) by cerium(IV) in aqueous sulphuric acid – a kinetic and mechanistic study

The oxidation of Hg^I by Ce^IV has been studied in aqueous H₂SO₄. A minute amount (10^–6 mol dm^–3) of Os^VIII is sufficient to catalyse the reaction. The active catalyst, substrate and oxidant species are H₂OsO₅, [Hg₂(SO₄)HSO₄]^– and H₃Ce(SO₄)^– ₄, respectively. Possible mechanisms are proposed and the reaction constants involved have been determined.     

The double salts M3RE(SO4)3 (M=K,Rb) with framework structures

The crystal structures of K₃Er(SO₄)₃ [space group Pc, a=9.222(2), b=14.688(1), c=9.008(1) Å, =110.72(2)^o, Z=4, R=0.59] and of Rb₃Tm(SO₄)₃ [space group Cc, a=10.649(2), b=15.149(3), c=9.320(2) Å, =124.49(1)^o, Z=4, R=0.043] have been studied (CAD-4 diffractometer, Mo radiation). It has been shown that the compounds K₃RE(SO₄)₃ (RE=Nd–Er) and Rb₃RE(SO₄)₃ (RE=Tm–Lu), which crystallize in accordance with these structural types, form a family of framework structures with a single basis. The relationship between their structure and the structure of the rhombohedral compounds M₃M^III(SO₄)₃ (M^III=Al, Ga, In) and Cs₃Yb(SO₄)₃ has been examined.Scientific-Research Institute of Chemical Reagents and Ultrapure Chemical Substances. Translated from Zhurnal Strukturnoi Khimii, Vol. 32, No. 2, pp. 110–115, March–April, 1991.     

A direct carbon-13 and nitrogen-15 NMR study of europium(III) complexation-nitrate and europium(III)-isothiocyanate complexation in aqueous solvent mixtures

A direct, low-temperature nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic study of europium(III)-nitrate contact ion-pairing has been completed, and preliminary results for europium(III)-isothiocyanate have been obtained. In water-acetone-Freon mixtures, at –110°C to –120°C, four¹⁵N NMR signals are observed for coordinated nitrate ion. Area evaluations of the signals and their concentration dependence indicate the formation of Eu(NO₃)²⁺, Eu(NO₃) ₂ ¹⁺ , and two higher complexes, possibly the tetra-, with either the penta-or hexanitrato. This correlates well with similar¹⁵N NMR results obtained for Ce(III), Pr(III), Nd(III), and Sm(III). As a result of a higher dielectric constant, complex formation is significantly less in water-methanol mixtures, wheein only three complexes form with Eu(NO₃) ₂ ¹⁺ dominating at the highest anion concentrations. Competitive complexing experiments in water-methanol also were made by³⁵Cl NMR chemical shift and linewidth measurements, as well as¹⁵N NMR. Initial experiments with the Eu³⁺-NCS^– system show four coordinated anion signals, displaced from the bulk anion peak by about –250 ppm and –2,500 ppm in the¹³C and¹⁵N NMR spectra, respectively. Area evaluations are consistent with the presence of Eu(NCS)²⁺ through Eu(NCS) ₄ ^1- in these solutions. A consideration of the chemical shifts identified the nitrogen atom as the site of binding in the NCS^–. A discussion of these preliminary results, as well as those for several other metal-ions, will be presented.     

Rare earth element complexation by fluoride ions in aqueous solution

Rare earth fluoride stability constants for Ce, Eu, Gd, Tb and Yb at 25°C have been determined by examining the influence of fluoride ions on the distribution of rare earths between tributyl phosphate (TBP) and 0.68M NaClO₄. Our results indicate that rare earth mono and difluoro complexation constants show a steady increase as a function of atomic number from La to Tb but remain relatively constant after Dy. This behavior is similar to that which has been observed for dicarboxylic acids. Stepwise stability constant ratios, K₂/K₁, obtained in our work (where K₁=[MF²⁺][M³⁺]^–1[F^–]^–1 and K₂=[MF ₂ ⁺ ]^–1[MF²⁺]^–1[F^–]^–1) indicated that, for all rare earths, K₂/K₁=0.09±0.03.     

A Pedagogical Illustration of the Determination of the Nature and Strength of Bonds in Crystalline Compounds from X-ray Diffraction and Infrared Spectroscopy Studies

This article describes a method used to teach students how X-ray crystallography and infrared spectroscopy analysis can be used to obtain information about the nature and strength of the bonding in the crystalline compounds M^IM^III(SO₄)₂ (with M^I = K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺ and M^III = Al³⁺, Cr³⁺, Fe³⁺). These sulfates form an isomorphic series. The influences of specific M^IM^III ions on the variation of the a and c parameters and on the position of IR absorption bands are described. Additionally, X-ray crystallography and infrared spectroscopy studies of the double sulfates M^IM^III(SO₄)₂ show students the existence of [SO₄-M^III-SO₄]^– layers in the crystallized products; the covalent character of M^III-O attractions, which give cohesion in these layers; the existence of M^I layers between [SO₄-M^III-SO₄]^– layers, and the electrovalent character of M^I-O interactions.     

Paper chromatographie studies on periodic precipitation

Summary An investigation of the nature of the rhythmic patterns obtained by diffusing the reactant solution on the circular filter papers impregnated with precipitating agents and a protective colloid (2% agar agar) has been made. The systems: AgNO₃–K₂CrO₄, Pb(NO₃)₂–K₂CrO₄, Ba(NO₃)₂–K₂CrO₄, Co(NO₃)₂–K₄Fe(CN)₆, and Co(NO₃)₂–K₃Fe(CN)₆ have been studied. An attempt has been made to explain the radial and ring rhythmicity on filter papers on the basis of coagulation theory ofDhar andChatterji.     

An aqueous thermodynamic model for a high valence 4∶2 electrolyte Th4+−SO 4 2− in the system Na+−K+−Li+−NH 4 + −Th4+−SO 4 2− −HSO 4 − −H2O to high concentration

An aqueous thermodynamic model that is valid from zero to high concentration is proposed for the Na⁺–K⁺–Li⁺–NH ₄ ⁺ –Th⁴⁺–SO ₄ ^2– –HSO ₄ ^– –H₂O system. The model is based on the aqueous ion-interaction model of Pitzer and coworkers. The thorium sulfate complex species Th(SO₄)₂(aq) and Th(SO₄) ₃ ^2– are also included in the model. The final thermodynamic model presented here accurately predicts all reliable thermodynamic data, including solvent extraction and solubility data, for the Na⁺–K⁺–Li⁺–NH ₄ ⁺ –Th⁴⁺–SO ₄ ^2– –HSO ₄ ^– –H₂O system to high concentration. The aqueous thermodynamics of high-valence (3:2, 4:2), electrolytes are complicated by very strong specific ion interactions or ion pairing in dilute solution and by an effective redissociation of aqueous complex species at high concentration. Methods of treating these complications, in terms of valid aqueous thermodynamic models, are discussed in detail for the high-valence Th⁴⁺–SO ₄ ^2– –H₂O system.     

Complexing of cerium(IV) with nitrilotriacetic acid in the presence of sulfate and nitrate ions

Conclusions The authors have made a spectrophotometric investigation of the composition of the complexes formed in the system Ce(IV)-nitrilotriacetic acid in 1 M (NH₄)₂SO₄ and 1 M NH₄NO₃ solutions and have calculated the instability constants of CeX⁺ and CeX ₂ ^2– complexes.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 7, pp. 1448–1451, July, 1976.     

A direct nitrogen-15 NMR study of cerium(III)-nitrate complexes in aqueous solvent mixtures

A study of the complex formation which occurs between cerium(III) and nitrate ions in aqueous solvent mixtures has been carried out by a direct, low-temperature, nitrogen-15 (¹⁵N) NMR technique. At temperatures in the range of –95 to –110°C, ligand exchange is slow enough to permit the observation of separate¹⁵N NMR signals for bulk nitrate, and this anion in the cerium(III) principal coordination shell. In water-acetone-Freon-12 mixtures, the spectra reveal the nitrato complexes do not form consecutively. Rather, signals are observed for Ce(NO₃)²⁺, Ce(NO₃) ₂ ¹⁺ , and only two other higher order complexes, even at very high NO ₃ ^– to Ce(III) mole ratios. Signal area evaluations were used to identify the possible higher order complexes. At comparable salt concentrations in aqueous-methanol mixtures, only Ce(NO₃)²⁺ and Ce(NO₃) ₂ ¹⁺ are formed, reflecting a decreased tendency for complexation in media of higher dielectric constant.     

Effect of sulfate additives on the 60Co gamma ray induced decomposition of lanthanum,europium and terbium nitrates in solid state

Gamma radiolysis of binary mixtures of La(NO₃)₃·6H₂O, Eu(NO₃)₃·6H₂O and Tb(NO₃)₃·6H₂O along with their respective sulfates have been studied over a wide range of absorbed doses up to 500 kGy. Radiolytic decomposition of the nitrate salts is affected by the concentration of the sulfate in the binary mixture as well as on the absorbed dose. G(NO₂⁻) values calculated on the basis of electron fraction of the nitrate salt in the binary mixture are enhanced by 10²–10³ times at >90 mol% of the sulfate additive. A study of binary mixtures of lanthanum nitrate with other mono-, bi-, tri- and tetra-valent sulfate additives shows that G(NO₂⁻) values are also affected by the nature and oxidation state of the cation including electron configuration. ESR and TL measurements suggest the formation of radical species, which may interact with the radical species of nitrate (NO₃²⁻, NO₂ etc.) causing enhanced decomposition by energy transfer. A possible mechanism of decomposition has been suggested. Anomalous behavior of Eu(NO₃)₃·6H₂O has been correlated with the electronic configuration and +2 oxidation state of Eu.     

Kinetics of diamminesilver(I)-catalysed oxidation of sulphur(IV) by dioxygen in ammonia buffers

The kinetics of the silver(I)-catalysed autoxidation of SO₃ ^2– into SO₄ ^2– in ammonia–ammonium nitrate buffer obeyed the rate law:R _obs=k₁ k₂ K[Ag^I]_T[SO₃ ^2-}][O₂] / ([NH₃]+K[SO₃ ^2-])(k₁+k₂[O₂])The values of k ₁, k ₂/k _–1 and K were found to be 1.2l mol^–1 s^–1, 5.3 × 10² l mol^–1 and 0.6 respectively at 30 °C. Two alternative free radical mechanisms have been proposed.     

Characterization of europium(III) carbonate complexes in simulated groundwater by solvent extraction

The complex formation of Eu(III) by bicarbonate/carbonate ions has been studied at 0.1 M ionic strength and 25°C using synergistic solvent extraction system of 1-nitroso-2-naphthol and 1,10-phenanthroline in chloroform. Concentrations of bicarbonate (5·10^–3 to 1·10^–1 M) and carbonate (5·10^–4 to 1·10^–2 M) ions in the aqueous phase have been varied in the pH range of 8.0 to 9.1 to simulate ground and natural water compositions. Under these conditions, the following species have been identified: Eu(HCO₃)²⁺, Eu(HCO₃)₂ ⁺, Eu(CO₃)⁺ and Eu(CO₃)₂ ^–. Their conditional formation constants (log ) have been calculated as 4.77, 6.74, 6.92 and 10.42, respectively. These values suggest that the carbonate complexes of Eu(III) are highly stable.