Separation of Tc(VII) from Tc(IV) by solvent extraction

The solvent extraction of Tc(IV) and Tc(VII) by isoamyl alcohol has been studied. The TcCl ₆ ²⁻ and TcO ₄ ⁻ ions are both extracted from 3M H₂SO₄ solution but hydrolyzed Tc(IV) species are not. This permits the separation of the two valence states of technetium. The air oxidation of carrier-free hydrolyzed^99mTc(IV) may be limited by the presence of⁹⁹Tc carrier in the same chemical form. Paper chromatography and electrophoresis were used to identify TcCl ₆ ²⁻ , TcO ₄ ⁻ and hydrolyzed species. It was also found that the hydrolyzed ReCl ₆ ²⁻ can reduce TcO ₄ ⁻ to Tc(IV).     

Methyl ethyl ketone extraction of Tc species

Methyl ethyl ketone extraction of technetium species from aqueous solutions of neutron irradiated ammonium molybdate crystals was studied; the two species extracted were separated by high voltage paper electrophoresis. The one was the^99mTcO ₄ ^– ion and the other, a^99mTc non-charged immobile species, probably TcO₂.aq, which concentrated at the point of application on the electrophoresis paper strip.     

Coupled radiometric and electrochemical study of the reduction of TcO4 ions at a gold electrode in acidic medium (mechanistic aspects of Tc deposition)

The reduction of TcO₄⁻ ions at a smooth gold electrode was studied in 1 mol dm⁻³ H₂SO₄ supporting electrolyte using coupled voltammetric and volt-radiometric measurements and steady state measurements. The problems of the existence of parallel pathways leading to the formation of a Tc layer and dissolved Tc(IV) complexes are discussed. A general scheme is suggested for the interpretation of the phenomena.     

From TcVII to TcI; facile syntheses of bis-arene complexes [99(m)Tc(arene)2]+ from pertechnetate

Bis-arene complexes of technetium represent a fundamental class of organometallic compounds. Due to complex synthetic routes, no detailed insights into their properties have been reported so far. Reacting [⁹⁹TcO₄]^– with arenes in the exclusive presence of AlCl₃ gives highly stable [⁹⁹Tc(arene)₂]⁺ in good yields. These complexes have extraordinarily high stabilities, where oxidation is found to occur at potentials higher than +1.3 V and reduction at potentials below –2 V vs. Fc/Fc⁺. The ^99mTc analogues are similarly synthesised by applying a novel ionic liquid extraction pathway. Complexes of ^99mTc with suitably functionalized arenes will represent new building blocks for bioorganometallic pharmaceuticals in molecular imaging.     

Reduction of Pertechnetate by Chemical and Photochemical Approaches and Incorporation of Tc(IV) into Titanium Dioxide

Technetium-99 is a prevalent fission product from nuclear waste. The long half-life (211,000 yr) and environmental mobility of pertechnetate (TcO₄⁻) render Tc particularly challenging to isolate and stabilize. Here we present two approaches for development of potential wasteforms using titanium dioxide, TiO₂. Approach 1 is a low temperature chemical synthesis of TiO₂ doped with Tc(IV) from TcO₄⁻ intended to mimic the Tc waste stream from the UREX family of separations and removes 98.5 % of the Tc, mainly present as edge-shared Tc(IV) pairs. Approach 2 utilizes TiO₂ to photocatalytically reduce TcO₄⁻ to Tc(IV) stabilized on the surface of or within the TiO₂ lattice. The %Tc removed from solution and adsorbed to TiO₂ is pH dependent, with the maximum Tc(IV) adsorbed at pH 3–4 as either TcO₂ or edge-sharing Tc(IV) octahedra. The Tc(IV)-TiO₂ composites materials formed by both approaches are suitable for consolidation into a dense wasteform by Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIPing).     

Thermodynamic Model for the Solubility of TcO2· xH2O(am) in the Aqueous Tc(IV) – Na+ – Cl− – H+ – OH− – H2O System

Solubility studies of TcO₂· xH₂O(am) have been conducted as a function of H⁺ concentration from 1 × 10^{– 5} to 6 M HCl and as a function of chloride concentration from 1 × 10^{– 3} to 5 M NaCl. These experiments were conducted under carefully controlled reducing conditions such that the preponderance of Tc present in solution is in the reduced oxidation state and was determined to be Tc(IV) by XANES analysis. The aqueous species and solid phases were characterized using a combination of techniques including thermodynamic analyses of solubility data, XRD, and XANES, EXAFS, and UV-vis spectroscopies. Chloride was found to significantly affect Tc(IV) concentrations through (1) the formation of Tc(IV) chloro complexes [i.e., TcCl₄(aq) and TcCl₆ ^{2 –}] and a stable compound [data suggests this compound to be TcCl₄(am)] in highly acidic and relatively concentrated chloride solutions, and (2) its interactions with the positively charged hydrolyzed Tc(IV) species in solutions of relatively low acidity and high chloride concentrations. A thermodynamic model was developed that included hitherto unavailable chemical potentials of the Tc(IV)–chloro species and Pitzer ion-interaction parameters for Tc(IV) hydrolyzed species with bulk electrolyte ions used in this study. The thermodynamic model presented in this paper is consistent with the extensive data reported in this study and with the reliable literature data and is applicable to a wide range of H⁺ and Cl^– concentrations and ionic strengths.     

Reaction stoichiometry for coextraction of technetium(VII) with uranium(VI) by CMPO

The coextraction equilibrium of technetium(VII) and uranium(VI) from nictric acid solution was studied in a system involvingn-octyl(phenyl)-N,N-diisobutylcarbamoylmethyl phosphine oxide (CMPO) in decalin. Stoichiometry of technetium, uranium and CMPO in the Tc-U-CMPO complex was obtained from the distribution data by slope analysis. The results indicated that the enhanced extraction of technetium was caused by the formation of UO₂NO₃TcO₄·nCMPO (wheren=2 and/or 3). It was found that this coextraction of technetium with uranium was well explained by using ion exchange reaction between UO₂(NO₃)₂·2CMPO complex and TcO ₄ ^– .     

Preparation and characterization of an extraction chromatography column for technetium separation based on Aliquat-336 and silica gel support

An extraction chromatographic material based on Aliquat-336 anchored on hydrophobized silica gel support was prepared as an ion exchanger. The prepared material appeared to be suitable for the separation of ⁹⁹Tc from environmental matrices in column application. The properties of the material, sorption characteristic and distribution coefficient of ^99mTcO₄ ^-in various media were studied. The prepared sorbent was conditioned by washing with nitric acid. The solution containing ^99mTcO₄ ^- in 0.1M HNO₃ was passed through the column. Tc was eluted from the column by 8M HNO₃. The flow rate was 0.4 ml/min. The chemical yield of technetium during the separation process was determined using ^99mTc tracer and gamma measurement. The sorption recovery of Tc from the prepared sorbent with 0.1M HNO₃ solution was more than 98%, and the desorption recovery from the column using 8M HNO₃ varied between 92-96%. It was found that the prepared sorbent is suitable for the separation of technetium from environmental matrices and radioactive wastes. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Separation of 99mTc from 99Mo by Using TOPO — Kerosene Supported Liquid Membrane

Transport of ^99mTcO₄ ^– ions across TOPO-kerosene based supported liquid membrane was investigated at different concentrations of phosphoric acid as a feed solution and different concentrations of TOPO in the membrane, where 0.9% NaCl aqueous solution was used as a stripping solution. The flux of TcO₄ ^– ions across this liquid membrane varied with the concentration of both H₃PO₄ and TOPO. The best permeability coefficient was obtained at concentrations, [H₃PO₄] = 3 mole·l^–1 and [TOPO] = 0.5 mole·l^–1 (P = 2.08·10^–9 m²·s^–1). The results were utilized for the separation of ^99mTc from ⁹⁹Mo, where a selective and effective separation was obtained since no ⁹⁹Mo transport across this liquid membrane was noticed while a high rate of ^99mTc transport took place.     

Effect of humic acid on the sorption of technetium on hematite colloids using <Superscript>95m</Superscript>Tc and <Superscript>96</Superscript>Tc as tracers

Sorption of technetium on hematite colloids, at varying pH (3–10), has been studied in absence and presence of humic acid using ^95mTc-⁹⁶Tc radiotracers. Technetium was found to be weakly sorbed on hematite at lower pH (<5) values, while no sorption was observed at higher pH values. Humic acid was found to have no effect on the sorption of technetium on hematite under aerobic conditions, while at lower pH values small reduction was observed which was attributed to the reduced zeta potential of the hematite colloids owing to the strong sorption of humic acid.     

Comparison of ‘classic’ Tc-DTPA, Tc(CO)3-DTPA and Tc(CO)2(NO)-DTPA

Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) was labeled with ^99mTc in three different ways, resulting in ‘classic’ ^99mTc-DTPA, ^99mTc(CO)₃-DTPA and ^99mTc(CO)₂(NO)-DTPA. The biodistribution of the formed DTPA-complexes was studied in mice with a special emphasis on the behavior of the novel tricarbonyl and dicarbonyl-nitrosyl complexes, which was clearly differing from that of ‘classic’ ^99mTc-DTPA. The conversion of a Tc-tricarbonyl complex to a Tc-dicarbonyl-nitrosyl complex using NO⁺ reagents offers a synthetic tool for preparing a novel class of ^99mTc labeled compounds.     

Electrolytic99TcO 4 − reduction at inert electrodes: An alternative synthetic route to Tc complexes

Electrolytic pertechnetate reduction at inert electrodes was studied as an alternative procedure for synthesizing Tc complexes. Pertechnetate reduction was carried out in aqueous media using different aminated ligands /en, dien, trien and 1,3-dap/ forming [TcO₂/amine/₂]⁺ type complexes. Simultaneously with synthesis of the desired Tc complex, TcO₂ was electrodeposited onto the cathode. Conversion of TcO ₄ ^– to Tc complex and TcO₂ was studied as a function of several variables /kind and concentration of supporting electrolyte, ligand concentration, pH, current and electrolysis time/.     

Electrolytic reduction of Tc(VII) in nitric acid solution using glassy carbon electrode

Electroreduction of Tc(VII) was studied in nitric acid solution using glassy carbon electrode. The electroreduction was conducted at a constant potential –300 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) with a potentiostat. It was found that the difference of the Tc concentration in the solutions before and after the electrolysis was negligibly small. This means that there were almost no TcO₂ or Tc deposited on the carbon fiber electrode during the electroreduction. Absorption spectra and distribution coefficients obtained by ion-exchange analysis indicated that Tc(VII) was reduced to Tc(IV).This work was financed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT) under the framework of The Development of Innovative Nuclear Technologies.     

Feed Adjustment Chemistry for Hanford 101-SY and 103-SY Tank Waste: Attempts to Oxidize the Non-Pertechnetate Species

More than 50% of the technetium in Hanford 101-SY and 103-SY tank waste is not pertechnetate (TcO₄ ^–). These non-pertechnetate species (TcN) are stable, soluble, reduced complexes of technetium. In order to remediate these waste, it will be necessary to oxidize these species to TcO₄ ^–. For radioanalytical purposes, oxidation requires digestion in Ce(IV)/16M HNO₃. Many oxidants are ineffective. Sodium peroxydisulfate, sodium peroxydisulfate/silver(I), and ozone oxidize all of the technetium species to pertechnetate.     

Electrolytic reduction of Tc(VII) in nitric acid solution using glassy carbon electrode

Electroreduction of Tc(VII) was studied in nitric acid solution using glassy carbon electrode. The electroreduction was conducted at a constant potential –300 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) with a potentiostat. It was found that the difference of the Tc concentration in the solutions before and after the electrolysis was negligibly small. This means that there were almost no TcO₂ or Tc deposited on the carbon fiber electrode during the electroreduction. Absorption spectra and distribution coefficients obtained by ion-exchange analysis indicated that Tc(VII) was reduced to Tc(IV).This work was financed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT) under the framework of The Development of Innovative Nuclear Technologies.     

Technetium(VII): Analysis of the possible structure of the higher oxide in various states

The structure of the higher oxide of technetium in various states is discussed. The results allow to regard the three-phase state as coordination tetrahedra TcO₄ and coordination octahedra TcO₃ bonded through Tc–O–Tc bridges and to consider the gas-phase and liquid-state as coordination tetrahedra and their dimeric forms.     

ESR study of electron interaction in a Tc/Al2O3 system

An investigation was made into the nature of paramagnetic centers in a Tc/Al₂O₃ system under varying conditions as to heat treatment and technetium content, and in O₂ and CO adsorption environments. It was found that in the case of reduction at 573 K Tc²⁺ ions and, conceivably, other ionic forms developed and stabilized on the carrier surface. After reduction at 973 K two types of electron center appeared, whose concentration increased as reduction was prolonged. Signals were observed in the low fields (3–20 mT) of the ESR spectra having g₁ 13.5 and g₂>30, which could be assigned to free charge carriers in a cluster of metal atoms or ions. Adsorption of O₂ at 300 K caused O ₂ ^– ion radicals to form on the surface of the reduced Tc/Al₂O₃ samples, both electron centers and technetium ions constituting the electron donors. In the case of CO adsorption paramagnetic (CO) ₂ ^– particles appeared on the Tc/Al₂O₃ samples after prolonged exposure. On reaction with O₂ two types of O ₂ ^– ion-radical with differing thermal stability were formed.Institute of Physical Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow. Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk, Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 9, pp. 1972–1978, September, 1992.     

Oxidation states of technetium in diphosphonate complexes

Valence states of technetium in two most prominent bone imaging agents. i.e., their model complexes with⁹⁹Tc (⁹⁹Tc-MDP and⁹⁹Tc-DPD) were determined by redox potentiometric titration. Titrations of⁹⁹Tc-pertechnetate by Sn(II) solutions were performed in the presence of a ligand (MDP or DPD), as well as without them. Tc(III) was obtained in complexes with MDP and DPD in strongly alkaline medium (pH 12–13) while in the absence of the ligands Tc(IV) was formed. In strongly acidic medium (pH 2–3) the redox process resulted Tc(IV) in both complexes, while Tc(III) was formed in the absence of the ligands. At pH values near neutral or exactly neutral (important for radiopharmaceutical complexes^99mTc-MDP and^99mTc-DPD), it was possible to perform titrations in the ligand absence only at pH values from 7 to 11.8 (due to in hydrolysis) while the resulting oxidation state of Tc in the presence of ligand depended on the used ligand: Tc(IV)-MDP (pH 5.4–5.9 and pH 7.0–7.4), and Tc(III)-DPD (pH 8.0).     

Quantification of99Tc by liquid scintillation counting: An evaluation of chemical quenching by liquid chromatographic eluents

The feasibility of utilizing liquid scintillation counting as a detection method for the liquid chromatographic analysis of⁹⁹Tc is evaluated. The chemical quenching of constituents commonly found in liquid chromatographic mobile phases is investigated, and quench corrections are presented. Quantification of⁹⁹Tc is achieved over a concentration range of 10^–3 to 10^–8M on quiescent KTCO₄ solutions, with sample volumes of 0.3 ml, yielding a counting efficiency from 51 to 59% for a narrow 150 channel window. The potential for the double isotope labelling of technetium complexes and the implications of the liquid scintillation counting of⁹⁹Tc in flowing eluents are discussed.     

Preparation of Tc-HA complex by displacement of thiourea from the hexakis(thiourea-S)technetium(III) complex

The complexation of technetium with humic acid is usually done by a reduction of pertechnetate by Sn²⁺ ions. A Tc-HA complex can be scavenged in a Sn-HA complex, if tin is present as reductant. The main aim of the study was a preparation of the Tc-HA complex without impurities of Sn ions or other metal reductant, which was performed by a ligand exchange with hexakis(thiourea-S)technetium(III) under nitrogen atmosphere at pH 5.5. The [Tc(tu)₆]³⁺ complex was prepared from TcO₄ ^- in acidic solution with thiourea as a reductant. Presence of the Tc-HA complex and other technetium species was determined by gel chromatography, paper chromatography and dialysis. Yield of Tc-HA complex was about 80% and reaction mixture contains about 20% of technetium dioxide, which is a side product of ligand-exchange.