Binding of uranyl ion by 2,2′-dihydroxyazobenzene attached to crosslinked polystyrenes covered with highly populated quaternary ammonium cations

2,2′-Dihydroxyazobenzene (DHAB) derivatives were attached to poly(chloromethylstyrene-co-divinylbenzene) (PCD) because of the high affinity of DHAB for uranyl ion. Chloromethyl groups of PCD were converted to quaternary ammonium ions by treating them with tertiary amines. Two strategies were adopted to improve the uranyl-binding ability of the immobilized DHAB: (1) the creation of a highly cationic microenvironment around the DHAB moieties and (2) the introduction of electron-withdrawing groups to DHAB. Capacity of the resins for uranyl uptake was measured, revealing that about 10 to 46 mg of uranium could be complexed to 1 g of the resins. Formation constants (K_f) for the uranyl complexes of the resins were determined. In the presence of ≥0.02 M bicarbonate ion at pH 8.02, log K_f values of 14.3 to 15.8 were obtained. Uranium extraction from seawater with two kinds of resins prepared in this study was carried out on the east coast of the Korean peninsula. The amount of uranium extracted from seawater was up to 150 μg/g resin. Thus, the uranium-extracting capability of the DHAB-containing polystyrene resins was improved significantly by the structural modifications. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 4117–4125, 1999     

Binding of uranyl ion by 2,2′-dihydroxyazobenzene attached to a partially chloromethylated polystyrene

A 2,2′-dihydroxyazobenzene (DHAB) derivative was attached to a chloromethylated cross-linked polystyrene derivative in view of high affinity of DHAB for uranyl ion. Chloromethyl groups of the resin were converted to quaternary ammonium ions by treating with tertiary amines. Capacity of the resins for uranyl-uptake was measured, revealing that about 20 mg of uranium can be complexed to 1 g of the resins. Formation constants (K_f) for uranyl complexes of the resins were determined. In the presence of >0.1 M bicarbonate ion at pH 8.10, log K_f of about 15 was obtained. As bicarbonate concentration was lowered, K_f decreased considerably. Degrees of uranyl-uptake from rapidly flowing uranyl solutions were measured, and the results suggested that rate of uranyl-uptake may not impose a major barrier to application of the resins in uranium extraction from seawater. Uranium extraction from seawater with the resins was carried out on the east coast of Korean peninsula. The amount of uranium extracted from seawater was about 10 µg/g resin. This is not satisfactory for economical processes of uranium recovery from seawater. Results of the present study, however, suggested that modification of the DHAB-containing resins can improve uranyl-binding ability, probably leading to economical recovery of uranium from seawater. In addition, simulation of uranyl-binding processes in seawater with the laboratory procedures developed in this study was satisfactory. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 3169–3177, 1999     

Binding of uranyl ion by poly(ethylenimine) containing a salicylate derivative

Three molecules of 5-(bromoacetyl)salicylate ( 1 ) complexed to uranyl UO ion were crosslinked with branchy poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) in DMSO by alkylation of amino groups of PEI with 1, leading to the formation of UO₂(Sal) PEI. Upon demetalation of UO₂(Sal) PEI with HCl, apo(Sal) PEI was obtained. Based on the pH dependence of log K_f for UO₂(Sal) PEI, it was concluded that each uranyl binding site in UO₂(Sal) PEI or apo(Sal) PEI contains three salicylate moieties. In terms of the equilibrium constant for formation of the uranyl complex, apo(Sal) PEI was found to be comparable to or better than the previously reported effective uranophiles. In terms of the rates for the formation of the uranyl complex, however, apo(Sal) PEI was far superior to those other uranophiles. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35 : 2935–2942, 1997     

Oxaaza macrocycles constructed on poly(ethylenimine) through Ni(II)-template cyclization and their metal binding

Polymeric oxaaza macrocycles (PEI-OAM) are constructed on poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) by Ni(II)-template alkylation of PEI with diethyleneglycol ditosylate. The K_f values for Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes of PEI–OAM are measured at pH 3.5–10 at 25°C. At pH 7, log K_f values for these complexes are 9–15, indicating that the polymeric oxaaza macrocycles can readily reduce concentrations of these metal ions below ppb level. Metal binding ability of nonpolymeric oxaaza macrocyclic compounds reported in the literature decreases rapidly as pH is lowered below 7, whereas that of PEI–OAM decreases to lesser extents. This is attributed to the electrostatic effects exerted by the ammonium ions of PEI backbone. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 527–532, 1997.     

Fe(III) sequestering agents built on poly(ethylenimine) through crosslinkage of three molecules of a salicylate derivative preassembled by Fe(III) ion

Three molecules of 5-(bromoacetyl) salicylate ( 1 ) complexed to Fe(III) ion were crosslinked with poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) in DMSO by alkylation of amino groups of PEI with 1 , leading to the formation of Fe(Sal)₃PEI, a water-soluble polymer. Several other derivatives including the immobilized form were also prepared. Examination of the values of log K_f for the PEI derivatives indicated that each Fe(III) binding site in Fe(Sal)₃PEI contains three salicylate moieties. In addition, the log K_f revealed that the effective molarity (EM) of the salicylate groups contained in the Fe(III) binding site is ca. 1000M. The high EM value shows that the geometry of the coordination sphere is well conserved during the crosslinkage with PEI of 1 preassembled around Fe(III) ion. In view of the EM value and the pK_a values of salicylic phenols in apo(Sal)₃-PEI, the metal-free form, the three salicylate groups of each Fe(III) binding site appear to occupy proximal positions leading to effective cooperation in Fe(III) binding. Fast, strong, and selective binding of Fe(III) ion by the binding site comprising three salicylate moieties was demonstrated. In addition, rapid demetalation of the resulting complexes as well as chemical stability of the immobilized chelating agents built on PEI were achieved. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 1197–1210, 1997     

Hydroxy Naphthol Blue as a Spectrophotometric and Fluorometric Reagent for the Uranyl Ion

Abstract

The utility of hydroxy naphthol blue (HNB) as a spectrophotometric and fluorometric reagent for the uranyl ion has been investigated. In phthalate buffer (at a pH of 4.0), UO₂ ²⁺ forms a brown complex of low absorptivity with the red form of HNB. By following the decrease in HNB absorbance at 530 nm (which has ε = 4.1 × 10³) uranyl ion can be determined to levels as low as 1.1 × 10^?6 M (0.30 μg/ml). HNB also emits at 460 nm when excited at 365 nm at these pH values, while the UO₂ ²⁺ complex exhibits greatly reduced emission. Examination of the quenching of HNB emission by UO₂ ²⁺ allows the determination of uranyl ion to levels as low as 3.2 × 10^?6 M (0.86 μg/ml). A 1:1 type complex was formed between UO₂ ²⁺ and HNB, and a formation constant of 9.77 × 10³ (log K₁ = 3.99) was measured for the complex.     

Factors affecting the complexation of polyacrylic acid with uranyl ions in aqueous solutions: A luminescence study

A study was carried out in aqueous solutions using luminescence technique to investigate the effects of pH, salt concentration, and temperature on the polyacrylic acid/uranyl ion (PAA/UO) complex formation as well as competitive phenomena of enhancement and quenching effects on photoexcited state of uranyl ions. It was found that excess of H⁺ and OH^? is not favorable for complexation between uranyl ions and polymer. Added nitrate salts of Na⁺ and K⁺ had significant enhancement effect on emission spectra of PAA/UO complex. These results indicated that the metal ion/polymer chain complex collapsed by addition of salts and then complex became more compact with consequent phase separation. No significant effect of temperature on the PAA/UO complex stability has been observed between 25–50 °C. The quenching rate constants obtained from Stern–Volmer plots were found to be in the order of k_q(H⁺) >> k_q(K⁺) > k_q(Na⁺). © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 2737–2744, 2005     

Regularities of extraction of uranyl thenoyltrifluoroacetonate into a number of solvents

The extraction equilibria were investigated of the thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTA) chelate of uranyl ion between aqueous perchlorate medium and thirteen organic solvents. The extracted species was shown to be UO₂A₂. The solubility parameter of the chelate was estimated from the partition data and it was confirmed that the relationship lgP _M=n lgP _HA+const. holds for the present system. When the extraction constant (K _ex) is considered in relation to the distribution coefficients, theK _ex values are expected to be constant under certain conditions for all of the solvents; the lgK _ex values were found to be constant (lgK _ex=−2.85±0.17).     

Binding constant determination of uranyl–citrate complex by ACE using a multi‐injection method

The binding constant determination of uranyl with small‐molecule ligands such as citric acid could provide fundamental knowledge for a better understanding of the study of uranyl complexation, which is of considerable importance for multiple purposes. In this work, the binding constant of uranyl–citrate complex was determined by ACE. Besides the common single‐injection method, a multi‐injection method to measure the electrophoretic mobility was also applied. The BGEs used contained HClO₄ and NaClO₄, with a pH of 1.98 ± 0.02 and ionic strength of 0.050 mol/L, then citric acid was added to reach different concentrations. The electrophoretic mobilities of the uranyl–citrate complex measured by both of the two methods were consistent, and then the binding constant was calculated by nonlinear fitting assuming that the reaction had a 1:1 stoichiometry and the complex was [(UO₂)(Cit)]^?. The binding constant obtained by the multi‐injection method was log K = 9.68 ± 0.07, and that obtained by the single‐injection method was log K = 9.73 ± 0.02. The results provided additional knowledge of the uranyl–citrate system, and they demonstrated that compared with other methods, ACE using the multi‐injection method could be an efficient, fast, and simple way to determine electrophoretic mobilities and to calculate binding constants.     

Polarographic Behaviour and Determination of Stability Constants of Uranyl-Ascorbate Complex

The complex species of UO₂(HA)(H₂A)⁺ and UO₂(HA)₂ were identified in the ascorbic acid solution of uranyl ion at pH<2.1 and pH>2.1, respectively. Polarographic wave was proved to be the simultaneous reduction of UO₂⁺² and UO₂(HA)(H₂A)⁺ at pH <2.1. However, at pH>2.1, the wave is due to the reduction of U0₂(HA)₂ The stability constants of the two complex species were found to be 5.1×10⁺ and 1.0×10⁵, respectively. The hydrolysis constant of uranyl ion in the solution of ascorbic acid was determined.     

U(VI) mono-hydroxo humate complexation

The complexation of the uranyl ion with humic acid is investigated. The humic acid ligand concentration is described as the concentration of reactive humic acid molecules based on the number of humic acid molecules, taking protonation of functional groups into account. Excess amounts of U(VI) are used and the concentration of the humic acid complex is determined by the solubility enhancement over the solid phase. pH is varied between 7.5 to 7.9 in 0.1M NaClO₄ under normal atmosphere and room temperature. The solubility of U(VI) in absence of humic acid is determined over amorphous solid phase between pH 4.45 and 8.62. With humic acid, only a limited range of data can be used for the determination of the complexation constant because of flocculation or sorption of the humic acid upon progressive complexation. Analysis of the complex formation dependency with pH shows that the dominant uranyl species in the concerned pH range are UO₂(OH)⁺ and (UO₂)₃(OH)₅ ⁺. The complexation constant is evaluated for the humate interaction with the to UO₂(OH)⁺ ion. The stability constant is found to be logβ = 6.94±0.3 l/mol. The humate complexation constant of the uranyl mono-hydroxo species thus is significantly higher than that of the nonhydrolyzed uranyl ion (6.2 l/mol). Published data on the Cm³⁺, CmOH²⁺ and Cm(OH)₂ ⁺ humate complexation are reevaluated by the present approach. The higher stability of the hydrolysis complex is also found for Cm(III) humate complexation.     

Equilibrium constant for coordinative polymerization of an o,o′-dihydroxyazobenzene derivative with Ni(II) ion in water

Equilibrium constant (K_CP) for coordinative polymerization is measured for the first time. Constant K_CP is defined as [L]_cp/[M][L], where [L]_cp represents the concentration of the ligand present in the coordination polymer. Plot of absorbance changes measured for 3, a water-soluble derivative of o,o′-dihydroxyazobenzene, against the concentration of Ni(II) ion indicates formation of a 1 : 1-type complex in water at pH 7.74 and 25°C when Ni (II) is added in excess of 3. The 1 : 1-type complex can be either Ni 3, the monomeric complex, or (Ni 3 )_n, the coordination polymer. The equilibrium constant for formation of the 1 : 1-type complex is estimated as 10^13.10 by using UO₂²⁺ ion as the competing metal ion. For the Ni(II) complex of an o,o′-dihydroxyazobenzene derivative attached to poly(ethylenimine), the formation constant is estimated as 10^5.36. Due to the structure of the polymer, possibility of coordinative polymerization is excluded for the polymer-based ligand. The much greater equilibrium constant for formation of the Ni(II) complex of 3, therefore, indicates formation of (Ni 3 )_n instead of Ni 3. The value of K_CP for (Ni 3 )_n shows that only 10⁻⁷% of the initially added 3 is left unpolymerized when Ni(II) is added in excess of 3 by 10⁻⁴ M. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35 : 1825–1830, 1997     

Adsorption of Uranyl Ions into Poly(Acrylamide‐co‐Acrylic Acid) Hydrogels Prepared by Gamma Irradiation

Acrylamide (AAm)/Acrylic Acid (AAc) copolymers have been prepared by gamma irradiation of binary mixtures at three different compositions where the acrylamide/acrylic acid mole ratios varied around 15, 20, and 30%. Threshold dose for 100% conversion of monomers into hydrogels was found to be 8.0 kGy. Poly(Acrylamide‐co‐Acrylic Acid) (poly(AAm‐co‐AAc)) hydrogels have been considered for the removal of uranyl ions from aqueous solutions. Swelling behavior of these hydrogels was determined in distilled water at different pH values and in aqueous solutions of uranyl ions. The results of swelling tests at pH 8.0 indicated that poly(AAm‐co‐AAc) hydrogel, containing 15% acrylamide showed maximum % swelling. Diffusion of water and aqueous solutions of uranyl ion into hydrogels was found to be non‐Fickian in character and their diffusion coefficients were calculated. The effect of pH, composition of hydrogel, and concentration of uranyl ions on the adsorption process were studied at room temperature. It was found that one gram of dry poly(AAm‐co‐AAc) hydrogel adsorbed 70–320 mg and 70–400 mg uranyl ions from aqueous solutions of uranyl nitrate and uranyl acetate in the initial concentration range of 50–1500 mg UO₂ ²⁺L^?, depending on the amount of AAc in the hydrogels, respectively. Adsorption isotherms were constructed for poly(AAm‐co‐AAc)–uranyl ion system indicating an S type of adsorption in the Giles classification system. It is concluded that crosslinked poly(AAm‐co‐AAc) hydrogels can be successfully used for the removal of uranyl ions from their aqueous solutions.     

Constant current anodic stripping chronopotentiometric determination of uranium in uranium mineral ores via accumulation of K<Subscript>2</Subscript>UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>[Fe(CN)<Subscript>6</Subscript>] on the palladium plated aluminum electrode

In the present work the uranyl hexacyanoferrate (K₂UO₂[Fe(CN)₆]) is deposited on the palladized aluminum (Pd-Al) electrode from a \textUO₂^{2 +} + \textFe( \textCN )₆ ^{- 3} {\text{UO}}_{2}^{2 + } + {\text{Fe}}\left( {\text{CN}} \right)_{6}^{ - 3} solution. Then the anodic stripping chronopotentiometry (ASCP) was used to strip the K₂UO₂[Fe(CN)₆] from the Pd-Al surface. The operational conditions including: pH, K₃Fe(CN)₆ concentration, deposition potential, deposition time and stripping current were optimized. The ASCP calibration graph was linear in concentration range 10–460 μM. of \textUO₂^{2 +} {\text{UO}}_{2}^{2 + } and the detection limit was 8.5 μM. The interference of some concomitant ions during the deposition process of K₂UO₂[Fe(CN)₆] was studied. The proposed method was successfully applied for analysis of some uranium mineral ores.     

Preparation and characterization of uranyl complexes with phosphonate ligands

The preparation, spectroscopic characterization and thermal stability of neutral complexes of uranyl ion, UO₂ ²⁺, with phosphonate ligands, such as diphenylphosphonic acid (DPhP), diphenyl phosphate (DPhPO) and phenylphosphonic acid (PhP) are described. The complexes were prepared by a reaction of hydrated uranyl nitrate with appropriate ligands in methanolic solution. The ligands studied and their uranyl complexes were characterized using thermogravimetric and elemental analyses, ESI-MS, IR and UV–Vis absorption and luminescence spectroscopy as well as luminescence lifetime measurements. Compositions of the products obtained dependent on the ligands used: DPhP and DPhPO form UO₂L₂ type of complexes, whereas PhP forms UO₂L complex. Based on TG and DTG curves a thermal stability of the complexes was determined. The complexes UO₂PhP·2H₂O and UO₂(DPhPO)₂ undergo one-step decomposition, while UO₂PhP · 2H₂O is decomposed in a two-step process. The thermal stability of anhydrous uranyl complexes increases in the series: DPhPO < PhP < DPhP. Obtained IR spectra indicate bonding of P–OH groups with uranyl ion. The main fluorescence emission bands and the lifetimes of these complexes were determined. The complex of DPhP shows a green uranyl luminescence, while the uranyl emission of the UO₂PhP and UO₂(DPhPO)₂ complexes is considerably weaker.     

Polarographische Untersuchungen an Uranyl-L-Prolin-Komplexen

Complex formation between uranyl ion (UO ₂ ²⁺ ) andl-proline has been studied at 30°C and ionic strength 0.1M (KCl) using polarographic technique. At pH 3.0, analysis of the results by simple graphical andDe Ford andHume methods revealed the formation of two complex species, [UO₂(Pro)]⁺ and [UO₂(Pro)₂]. The formation of the second species become evident only at higher proline concentrations (>0.25M).     

Effect of substituants on the structure of dioxouranium(VI) complexes of 7-carboxaldehyde-8-hydroxyquinoline and some of its Schiff bases

Summary A series of dioxouranium(VI) complexes with 7-carboxaldehyde-8hydroxyquinoline (oxine) and with some of its Schiff bases, LH, have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, electronic and vibrational spectral studies. All complexes except those of the oxine have the [UO₂L₂] · EtOH, stoichiometry (n=0, 1, 2 or 4). The uranyl complexes of the oxine have the formula [UO₂L₂(LH)]. The i.r. spectra reveal all ligands to be monobasic bidentate chelating agents coordinated to the uranium(VI)via the enolized phenolic OH and aldehydic oxygen or azomethine nitrogen atom. The force constant f_U-o (mdyn Å) and the bond length r_U-o (Å) of the U-O bond are also calculated and related to the electronic properties of thep-substituents.     

Polarographic studies of uranyl complexes with trans-and cis-butenedioic acids

The complexation of uranyl ion with fumaric and maleic acids was investigated by polarography and conductometry. The uranyl complexes of the two isomers differ: with fumaric acid, UO₂(HFum)₂ and UO₂Fum₂^2- were observed whereas with maleic acid, only one chelate, UO₂Mal₂^2-, was obtained. The dissociation constants obtained from the half-wave potential vs. pH plots were pK₁=3.05 and pK₂=4.55 for fumaric acid and pK₁=1.90 and pK₂=5.60 for maleic acid.     

Polymorphism in Alkali Metal Uranyl Nitrates: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of γ‐K(UO2)(NO3)3

Single crystals of γ‐K(UO₂)(NO₃)₃ were prepared from aqueous solutions by evaporation. The crystal structure [orthorhombic, Pbca (61), a = 9.2559(3) Å, b = 12.1753(3) Å, c = 15.8076(5) Å, V = 1781.41(9) Å³, Z = 8] was determined by direct methods and refined to R₁ = 0.0267 on the basis of 3657 unique observed reflections. The structure is composed of isolated anionic uranyl trinitrate units, [(UO₂)(NO₃)₃]^–, that are linked through eleven‐coordinated K⁺ cations. Both known polymorphs of K(UO₂)(NO₃)₃ (α‐ and γ‐phases) can be considered as based upon sheets of isolated complex [(UO₂)(NO₃)₃]^– ions separated by K⁺ cations. The existence of polymorphism in the two K[UO₂(NO₃)₃] polymorphs is due to the different packing modes of uranyl trinitrate clusters that adopt the same two‐dimensional but different three‐dimensional arrangements.