Chemical equilibria in the binary and ternary uranyl(VI)-hydroxide-peroxide systems

The composition and equilibrium constants of the complexes formed in the binary U(VI)-hydroxide and the ternary U(VI)-hydroxide-peroxide systems have been studied using potentiometric and spectrophotometric data at 25 °C in a 0.100 M tetramethylammonium nitrate medium. The data for the binary U(VI) hydroxide complexes were in good agreement with previous studies. In the ternary system two complexes were identified, [UO(2)(OH)(O(2))](-) and [(UO(2))(2)(OH)(O(2))(2)](-). Under our experimental conditions the former is predominant over a broad p[H(+)] region from 9.5 to 11.5, while the second is found in significant amounts at p[H(+)] < 10.5. The formation of the ternary peroxide complexes results in a strong increase in the molar absorptivity of the test solutions. The absorption spectrum for [(UO(2))(2)(OH)(O(2))(2)](-) was resolved into two components with peaks at 353 and 308 nm with molar absorptivity of 16200 and 20300 M(-1) cm(-1), respectively, suggesting that the electronic transitions are dipole allowed. The molar absorptivity of [(UO(2))(OH)(O(2))](-) at the same wave lengths are significantly lower, but still about one to two orders of magnitude larger than the values for UO(2)(2+)(aq) and the binary uranyl(VI) hydroxide complexes. It is of interest to note that [(UO(2))(OH)(O(2))](-) might be the building block in cluster compounds such as [UO(2)(OH)(O(2))](60)(60-) studied by Burns et al. (P. C. Burns, K. A. Kubatko, G. Sigmon, B. J. Fryer, J. E. Gagnon, M. R. Antonio and L. Soderholm, Angew. Chem. 2005, 117, 2173-2177). Speciation calculations using the known equilibrium constants for the U(vi) hydroxide and peroxide complexes show that the latter are important in alkaline solutions even at very low total concentrations of peroxide, suggesting that they may be involved when the uranium minerals Studtite and meta-Studtite are formed by α-radiolysis of water. Radiolysis will be much larger in repositories for spent nuclear fuel where hydrogen peroxide might contribute both to the corrosion of the fuel and to transport of uranium in a ground water system.     

Complex formation equilibria in iron(III)-L-alanine system

Summary Complex formation in iron(III)-L-alanine solutions was studied by emf glass electrode and spectrophotometric measurements, in 0.5 mol dm ^–3 (Na)NO₃ medium, at 25 ° C. In the concentration range 0.5 [Fe]₀ 20.0, 5.0 [Ala]₀ 1000.0 (mmol dm^–3) and 1.0 -log [H⁺] 3.5; {[Ala]/[Fe] = 10:1-100:1| the equilibria in the title system were explained by the model including the species FeHL, FeL, Fe(OH)L, Fe₂(OH)₂L₂ (where HL denotes L-alanine) and several hydrolytic products. The stability constants of complexes are given. The mechanism of formation and structure of complexes in solution is proposed.Abbreviations Ala alaninate ion - HAla alanine (zwitterion) - AlaH alanine (neutral) - H₂Ala⁺ alanine cation     

High-pressure (vapor + liquid) equilibria in the (nitrogen + n-heptane) system

In this work, new (vapor + liquid) equilibrium data for the (N₂ + n-heptane) system were experimentally measured over a wide temperature range from (313.6 to 523.7) K and pressures up to 50 MPa. A static-analytic apparatus with visual sapphire windows and pneumatic capillary samplers was used in the experimental measurements. Equilibrium phase compositions and (vapor + liquid) equilibrium ratios are reported. The new results were compared with those reported by other authors. The comparison showed that the pressure–composition data reported in this work are less scattered than those determined by others. Hence, the results demonstrate the reliability of the experimental apparatus at high temperatures and pressures. The experimental data were represented with the PR and PC-SAFT equations of state by using one-fluid mixing rules and a single temperature independent interaction parameter. Results of the representation showed that the PC-SAFT equation was superior to the PR equation in correlating the experimental data of the (N₂ + n-heptane) system.     

Complex formation of peroxouranyl (and uranyl) with polyaminocarboxylate ligands

Complexation of the uranyl ion (UO₂²⁺) and of the peroxouranyl species (UO₄) by some polyaminocarboxylate ligands has been investigated in solution (3M NaClO₄) at 25°C. The logarithms of the cumulative formation constants of the UO₂²⁺ chelates formed are: UO₂edta^2? (15.65), UO₂Hedta^? (18.59), (UO₂)₂edta (20.24); UO₂edda (16.02); UO₂Hnta (12.19); UO₂ida (9.63), UO₂H₂(ida)₂ (23.80). The equilibrium UO₂²⁺ + H₂O₂ ? UO₄ + 2H⁺ has a stability log K = ?3.99. The peroxocomplexes formed are UO₄Hedda^? (14.81, expressed from UO₂²⁺ and H₂O₂) and UO₄Hnta^2? (8.50). Solution structures of the chelates are proposed.     

Clathrate formation and phase equilibria in the thiourea-bromoform system

Phase equilibria in the thiourea (host)-bromoform (guest) binary system were studied by physicochemical analysis methods over the temperature range 270–455 K. The stoichiometry and stability region were determined for the channel-type compound CHBr₃ · 2.40(2)(NH₂)₂CS; the compound was observed for the first time. When heated, the clathrate incongruently decomposed at 424.0 ± 0.8 K to rhombic thiourea and the guest component. The solubility isotherm of the thiourea-bromoform-acetic acid system was studied to find that the compound was thermodynamically stable at 293 K over the range of guest component concentrations 100–35 wt %. A decrease in its content in an equilibrium mother liquor resulted in the appearance of X-ray diffraction reflections of the initial host α polymorph. Rhombohedral cell parameters were determined (space group R-3c, a = 15.89(1) Å, c = 12.40(1) Å, V = 2711(6) ų, d _calcd = 2.000 g/cm³, and d _expt = 1.98(2) g/cm³). The mode of packing of bromoform molecules was compared with the organization of the guest subsystem in inclusion compounds formed by the substances studied.     

Isothermal phase equilibria for the (xenon + cyclopropane) mixed-gas hydrate system

Isothermal three-phase equilibria of gas, aqueous, and hydrate phases for the {xenon (Xe) + cyclopropane (c-C₃H₆)} mixed-gas hydrate system were measured at two different temperatures (279.15 and 289.15) K. The structural phase transitions from structure-I to structure-II and back to structure-I, depending on the mole fraction of guest mixtures, occur in the (Xe + c-C₃H₆) mixed-gas hydrate system. The isothermal pressure–composition relations have two local pressure minima. The most important characteristic in the (Xe + c-C₃H₆) mixed-gas hydrate system is that the equilibrium pressure–composition relations exhibit the complex phase behavior involving two structural phase transitions and two homogeneous negative azeotropes. One of two structural phase transitions exhibits the heterogeneous azeotropic-like behavior.     

Molecular dynamics simulation of uranyl(VI) adsorption equilibria onto an external montmorillonite surface

We used molecular dynamics simulations to study the adsorption of aqueous uranyl species (UO(2)(2+)) onto clay mineral surfaces in the presence of sodium counterions and carbonato ligands. The large system size (10,000 atoms) and long simulation times (10 ns) allowed us to investigate the thermodynamics of ion adsorption, and the atomistic detail provided clues for the observed adsorption behavior. The model system consisted of the basal surface of a low-charge Na-montmorillonite clay in contact with aqueous uranyl carbonate solutions with concentrations of 0.027 M, 0.081 M, and 0.162 M. Periodic boundary conditions were used in the simulations to better represent an aqueous solution interacting with an external clay surface. Uranyl adsorption tendency was found to decrease as the aqueous uranyl carbonate concentration was increased, while sodium adsorption remained constant. The observed behavior is explained by physical and chemical effects. As the ionic strength of the aqueous solution was increased, electrostatic factors prevented further uranyl adsorption once the surface charge had been neutralized. Additionally, the formation of aqueous uranyl carbonate complexes, including uranyl carbonato oligomers, contributed to the decreased uranyl adsorption tendency.     

Phase equilibria at various temperatures in the ternary liquid system containing solvates of thorium(IV) and uranyl(VI) nitrates with tri-n-butyl phosphate and tetradecane

The phase diagram of the ternary liquid system [Th(NO₃)₄(TBP)₂]-[UO₂(NO₃)₂(TBP)₂]-tetradecane (where TBP stands for tri-n-butyl phosphate) has been investigated at temperatures from 298.15 to 333.15 K. The ternary liquid system is characterized by a region of homogeneous solutions and a region of two-phase liquid systems (stratified systems). One phase is enriched with solvates [Th(NO₃)₄(TBP)₃] and [UO₂(NO₃)₂(TBP)₂] (phase I), and the other is enriched with tetradecane (phase II). The temperature (T = 298.15–333.15 K) does not substantially affect the two-phase region. In the two-phase systems, the preferential distribution of [UO₂(NO₃)₂(TBP)₂] into phase I is observed in spite of the fact that the binary system [UO₂(NO₃)₂(TBP)₂]-tetradecane is a single phase at all temperatures investigated. The distribution of [UO₂(NO₃)₂(TBP)₂] into phase I leads to the redistribution of [Th(NO₃)₄(TBP)₂] into phase II. At all temperatures investigated, the critical solution points of the ternary liquid system have compositions with close contents of the solvates [Th(NO₃)₄(TBP)₂] and [UO₂(NO₃)₂(TBP)₂].     

Stepwise formation of uranium(vi) complexes with sulphonated phenolic compounds

The metal complexes of uranium(VI) with disodiuM 2-naphthol-3,6-disulphonate and 7-amino-1-naphthol-3,6-disulphonic acid were studied by the established potentiometric techniques of Bjerrum and Irving and Rossotti. The step-wise protonation constants of the ligands and the step-wise stability constants of the uranyl complexes were deterMined in 0.1 M sodiuM perchlorate Media at 25°.     

Theoretical study of electron transfer in uranyl(VI)–uranyl(V) complexes in solution

The rates of the electron self‐exchange between uranyl(VI) and uranyl(V) complexes in solution have been investigated in detail with quantum chemical methods. The calculations have shown that the bond length of U? Oyl is elongated by 0.1 Å when the extra electron is localized on the sites. The diabatic potential surfaces are obtained. The inner reorganization energies are 212.6 and 226.8 kJ mol^?1 for hydroxide and fluoride bridge systems, respectively. The solvent reorganization energies are 28.12 and 31.60 kJ mol^?1 for hydroxide and fluoride bridge systems, respectively. The nuclear frequency factors are 3.17 × 10¹³ and 3.12 × 10¹³ s^?1 for hydroxide and fluoride bridge systems, respectively. The electronic coupling matrix elements are 1.89 and 4.06 kJ mol^?1 for hydroxide and fluoride bridge systems, respectively. The electron‐transfer rates of our calculations are 12.95 and 0.819 M^?1 s^?1 for hydroxide and fluoride bridge systems, respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010     

Clathrate formation and phase equilibria in the pyridine-cadmium nitrate system

Preparative, thermal (DTA, TGA), solubility, strain and spectral (Raman) techniques were used to study clathrate and complex formation in the pyridine (Py)-cadmium nitrate system. Three compounds have been isolated and studied: the clathrate compound [CdPy₄(NO₃)₂] · 2Py (I), the complex [CdPy₃(NO₃)₂] (II) and a compound of composition Cd(NO₃)₂·7/4Py (III), of unknown nature. The phase diagram of the system has been determined for the concentration and temperature range 0–66 mass-% Cd(NO₃)₂ and –100 to +200 °C, respectively. ClathrateI undergoes polymorphous conversion at –51.8(4) °C and melts incongruently at 106.0(5) °C, forming complexII. CompoundsII andIII melt congruently at 165.5(4) and 191(1) °C, respectively. The complexes [CdPy₄(NO₃)₂] (the host phase) and [CdPy₂(NO₃)₂] are not observed in the system. The nature and thermodynamic parameters of the dissociation of clathrate I have been determined. For the process 1/13[CdPy₄)NO₃)₂] · 2Py_solid = 1/3[CdPy₃(NO₃)₂]_solid + Py_gas in the range 290–360K H ^o = 54.9(3) kj/mole, S ₂₉₈ ^o = 142(1) J/(mole K), G ₂₉₈ ^o = 12.5(5) kJ/mole.     

High-pressure phase equilibria in the (carbon dioxide + 1-hexanol) system

(Vapour + liquid) equilibria (VLE) and (vapour + liquid + liquid) equilibria (VLLE) data for the (carbon dioxide + 1-hexanol) system were measured at (293.15, 303.15, 313.15, 333.15, and 353.15) K. Phase behaviour measurements were made in a high-pressure visual cell with variable volume, based on the static-analytic method. The pressure range under investigation was between (0.6 and 14.49) MPa. The Soave–Redlich–Kwong (SRK) equation of state (EOS) with classical van der Waals mixing rules (two-parameters conventional mixing rule, 2PCMR), was used in a semi-predictive approach, in order to represent the complex phase behaviour (critical curve, LLV line, isothermal VLE, LLE, and VLLE) of the system. The topology of phase behaviour is reasonably well predicted.     

The stepwise formation of complexes in the uranyl/azide system in aqueous medium

The use of an indirect potentiometric method with the glass electrode in a ₃?/HN₃/UO₂2+ solution leads to ligand number $\text{n}\text{?}$, at several azide concentrations, at 2.0M ionic strength (NaClO₄), aqueous medium and 25.0±0.1°C. The analysis of data under conditions where hydrolysis is avoided leads to the six overall stepwise constants: β₁ = 1.39 × 10²M^?1; β₂ = 8.26 × 10³M^?2; β₃ = 4.9 × 10⁵M^?3; β₄ = 7.1 × 10⁵M^?4; β₅ = 2.3 × 10⁶M^?5; β₆ = 1.2 × 10⁷M^?6.     

Lanthanum(III) and uranyl(VI) diglycolamide complexes: synthetic precursors and structural studies involving nitrate complexation

The synthesis and structural characterization of lanthanum(III) and uranyl(VI) complexes coordinated by tridentate diglycolamide (DGA) ligands O(CH2C(O)NR2)2[R=i-Pr (L1), i-Bu (L2)] are described. Reaction of L with UO2Cl2(H2O) n forms the uranyl(VI) cis-dichloride adducts UO2Cl2L [L=L1 (1a), L2 (1b)], while reaction of excess L with the corresponding metal nitrate hydrate produces [LaL3][La(NO3)6] [L=L1 (2a), L2 (2b)] for lanthanum and UO2(NO3)2L [L=L1 (3a), L2 (3b)] for uranium. Compounds 2b and 3a have been structurally characterized. The solid-state structure of the cation of 2b shows a triple-stranded helical arrangement of three tridentate DGA ligands with approximate D3 point-group symmetry, while the counteranion consists of six bidentate nitrate ligands coordinated around a second La center. The solid-state structure of 3a shows a tridentate DGA ligand coordinated along the equatorial plane perpendicular to the OUO unit as well as two nitrate ligands, one bidentate and oriented in the equatorial plane and the other monodentate and oriented parallel to the uranyl unit with the oxygen donor atom situated above the mean equatorial plane. Ambient-temperature NMR spectra for 3a and 3b indicated an averaged chemical environment of high symmetry consistent with fluxional nitrate hapticity, while spectroscopic data obtained at -30 degrees C revealed lower symmetry consistent with the slow-exchange limit for this process.     

Extraction equilibria for the 4-(2-Pyridylazo)-Resorcinol-Nickel(II)-Quaternary-Ammonium salt system

The extraction equilibria of nickel(II)-PAR complexes with tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride(Q⁺Cl^?) are investigated. Two kinds of nickel complex are extracted by chloroform: Ni(HR)₂,nQ⁺Cl^?₍₀₎(?⁵⁰⁰ = 3.73·10⁴l mol^?1cm^?1) at about pH 5 and 2Q⁺ NiR^2-_2(o)(?⁵⁰⁰ = 8.08·10⁴ l mol^?1 cm^?1) at above pH 8.5. The extraction constant for 2Q⁺ NiR^2-_2(o) was evaluated as [2Q⁺ NiR^2-₂]₀/[NiR^2-₂] [Q⁺]² = 10^11.16 at μ = 0.1 (Na₂SO₄. Synergic extraction studies of the Ni(HR)₂ species under slightly acidic conditions show that the species is Ni(HR)₂(H₂O)₂in auqeous solution and is extracted into chloroform as the adduct Ni(HR)₂(TBP)₂ (?⁵³⁵ = 3.57·10⁴ l mol^?1 cm^?1. Based on the extraction behavior of these complexes, the structures of the Ni²⁺—PAR complexes are discussed.     

(Liquid + liquid) equilibria of the (water + butyric acid + dodecanol) ternary system

(Liquid + liquid) equilibrium (LLE) data for the (water + butyric acid + dodecanol) ternary system have been determined experimentally at T = (298.2, 308.2 and 318.2) K. Complete phase diagrams were obtained by determining binodal curves and tie lines. The reliability of the experimental tie lines was confirmed by using the Othmer–Tobias correlation. The UNIFAC method was used to predict the phase equilibrium in the ternary system using the interaction parameters determined from experimental data of CH₃, CH₂, COOH, OH and H₂O functional groups. Distribution coefficients and separation factors were evaluated for the immiscibility region.     

On the complex formation equilibria between dioxouranium(VI) and sulfate ions

The complexation equilibria between UO2(2+) and SO4(2-) ions have been studied at 25 degrees C in the ionic medium 3 M NaClO4 by potentiometry, by spectrophotometry and by solubility measurements of UO2(IO3)2. The potentiometric investigation was carried out with the Hg-Hg2SO4(s)-SO4(2-) half-cell and glass electrode in the sulfate concentration range 0.005 to 0.07 M. The optical absorbances in the UV-visible region and the solubility data cover the ligand concentration range 0.005 to 0.3 M. The data could be explained by assuming the complexes and equilibrium constants [Table: see text]. The constants in the infinite dilution reference state, log beta1o = 3.08 +/- 0.15 and log beta2o = 4.28 +/- 0.15, estimated by assuming the validity of the specific interaction theory, are practically coincident with literature data.     

On the complex formation equilibria between iron (III) and sulfate ions

The equilibria have been investigated at 25 degrees C in 3 M NaClO4 using potentiometry, glass and redox Fe3+/Fe2+ half-cells, and UV optical absorptiometry. The concentration of the reagents was chosen in the intervals: 10(-4) < or = [Fe(III)] < or = 5.10(-3) M, 0.01 < or = [SO4(2-)]tot < or = 0.65 M. The value of [H+] was kept at 0.1 M or more to reduce the hydrolysis of the Fe3+ ion to less than 1%. Auxiliary constants, corresponding to the formation of Fe(II)-sulfate complexes and to the association of H+ with SO4(2-) ions, were taken from previous determinations. The experimental data could be explained with the equilibria [formula: see text] Equilibrium constants at infinite dilution, log beta 101 degrees = 3.82 +/- 0.17, log beta 102 degrees = 5.75 +/- 0.17 and log beta 111 degrees = 3.68 +/- 0.35, have been evaluated by applying the specific interaction theory.     

Investigation of the extraction equilibria in the system hexachloridorhenate(IV)-neotetrazolium chloride-dichloroethane-water

The neotetrazolium hexachloridorhenate(IV) (NTReCl(6)) has been synthesized and its composition checked. The optimum conditions for the extraction of NTReCl(6) with dichloroethane have been established. The recovery factor for one-fold extraction is R = 74%. The distribution constant, K(D), extraction constant, K(ex), and ion-association constant, beta, have been determined. Neotetrazolium chloride was found to be suitable reagent for extraction-spectrophotometric determination of rhenium(IV) ((NTReCl(6)) = 3.42 +/- 0.20 x 10(4)M(-1) cm(-1)).     

Isothermal phase equilibria for the (HFC-32 + HFC-134a) mixed-gas hydrate system

Isothermal phase equilibria (pressure-composition relations in hydrate, gas, and aqueous phases) in the {difluoromethane (HFC-32) + 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a)} mixed-gas hydrate system were measured at the temperatures 274.15 K, 279.15 K, and 283.15 K. The heterogeneous azeotropic-like behaviour derived from the structural phase transition of (HFC-32 + HFC-134a) mixed-gas hydrates appears over the whole temperature range of the present study. In addition to the heterogeneous azeotropic-like behaviour, the isothermal phase equilibrium curves of the (HFC-32 + HFC-134a) mixed-gas hydrate system exhibit the negative homogeneous azeotropic-like behaviour at temperatures 279.15 K and 283.15 K. The negative azeotropic-like behaviour, which becomes more remarkable at higher temperatures, results in the lower equilibrium pressure of (HFC-32 + HFC-134a) mixed-gas hydrates than those of both simple HFC-32 and HFC-134a hydrates. Although the HFC-134a molecule forms the simple structure-II hydrate at the temperatures, the present findings reveal that HFC-134a molecules occupy a part of the large cages of the structure-I mixed-gas hydrate.