Co-condensation Synthesis of a Novel DCH18C6-functionalized Organosilica for Strontium Adsorption

A novel kind of organosilica functionalized with dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6) was synthesized in this study. The DCH18C6 molecule, well known as an excellent complexing agent of strontium, was modified for chemical bonding to the organosilica matrix via a co-condensation approach. ²⁹Si and ¹³C solid-state NMR, ESEM and N2 adsorption-desorption measurement were employed to characterize the organosilica's structure and surface properties. The functionalized organosilica showed favourable adsorption capacity to the strontium, and the distribution coefficient (Kd) of 114.5 cm³/g could be obtained in 1 mol/L HNO3 solution. This novel functionalized organosilica might be potentially used for the separation of the strontium in radioactive liquid waste.     

Characterization and formation mechanism of the precipitates generated by irradiation of dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 aqueous solution

Dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6) aqueous solution was irradiated using ⁶⁰Co source and precipitates containing yellow transparent blocks (PA) and powders (PB) were obtained. TGA analysis confirms that both PA and PB have higher thermal stability than DCH18C6. Both DSC and GPC results suggest that PA might be oligomer and PB were ultrahigh molecular weight polymers. The FTIR spectra indicate that both PA and PB have similar chemical structures containing carboxyl and hydroxyl groups. By using scavengers, it was found that the formation of PA and PB is attributed to the radiation-induced radical polymerization of DCH18C6, and ·OH radical produced by water radiolysis might be a critical species for the formation of PA and PB. These studies help to understand the radiation chemistry behavior of DCH18C6 in the reprocessing of nuclear fuel.     

Sr(NO3)2·DCH18C6配合物晶体结构与辐射稳定性

二环己基-18-冠-6（DCH18C6）可以有效地从高放废液中分离⁹⁰Sr,对于减小放射性废物的危害和实现高放废物的减容有重要意义. 由于在实际应用中DCH18C6处于射线照射下,其结构可能会被破坏并引起络合能力的变化,因此有必要对该配合物的辐射稳定性进行研究. 本文合成了Sr（NO₃）₂·DCH18C6 配合物晶体,并通过单晶X射线衍射（XRD）与扩展X射线吸收精细结构谱（EXAFS）等方法进行了表征,确定Sr²⁺与周围氧原子的配位数为10,Sr―O平均键长约为0.268 nm/0.266 nm（XRD/EXAFS）. 配位原子来自DCH18C6 的六个氧原子以及两个作为双齿配体的硝酸根的四个氧原子. 对该配合物晶体在空气中进行γ辐照,EXAFS结果表明吸收剂量为400 kGy时,Sr―O键长及配位数没有发生变化,配位结构没有被破坏,具有很好的耐辐照稳定性. 显微红外光谱（Micro-FTIR）结果进一步证明辐照后冠醚环的部分C―H 键氧化为羟基或羰基,但并不影响DCH18C6与Sr²⁺的配位结构.     

Extraction of microamounts of strontium into nitrobenzene by using hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate in the presence of dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6

Summary Extraction of microamounts of strontium by a nitrobenzene solution of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate (H⁺B^-) in the presence of dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6, L) has been investigated. The equilibrium data have been explained assuming that the complexes HL⁺, HL, SrL²⁺and SrL are extracted into the organic phase. The values of extraction and stability constants of the species in nitrobenzene saturated with water have been determined.     

Reversed-phase partition chromatographic separation of minor actinides with bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfoxide from acidic nitrate PUREX waste solutions

The uptake behavior of U(VI), Pu(IV), Am(III) and a few long-lived fission products from nitric acid media by bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfoxide (BESO) adsorbed on Chromosorb has been studied U(VI), Pu(IV) and Zr(IV) are taken up appreciably as compared to trivalent actinides/lanthanides including some coexisting fission product contaminants which are weakly sorbed on the column. Chromosorb could be loaded with (1.12±0.03) g of BESO per g of the support. Maximum sorption is observed around 4–5 mol·dm^–3 HNO₃ for both U(VI) and Pu(IV), which are sorbed as their disolvates. The elution of (U(VI) and Pu(IV) from the metal loaded sorbent has also been optimized. Desorption of U(VI) is easily accomplished with dilute nitric acid (ca. 0.01 mol·dm^–3)while Pu(IV) is reductively stripped with 0.1 mol·dm^–3 NH₂OH·HCl. Effective sequential separation of U(VI), Pu(IV) and Am(III) from their several admixtures could be readily achieved from real medium and low level active acidic process raffinates.     

Extraction of actinides by quaternary amines from hydrochloric acid medium

The extraction of Np(IV), Pu(IV) and U(VI) from aqueous hydrochloric acid into quaternary amines has been studied. The dependence of the distribution coefficient on amine concentration suggests that the actinide ions extracted are NpCl ₆ ²⁻ PuCl ₆ ²⁻ and UO₂Cl ₄ ²⁻ . This is further supported by the absorption spectra of the amine extracts of these actinide ions. Based on the extraction data obtained, a simple method for the separation of typical metal ions such as Cs, lanthanides and Zr from U(VI) and Pu(IV) is suggested.     

Solvent extraction of calcium into nitrobenzene by using hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate in the presence of dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 and dicyclohexano-24-crown-8

Extraction of microamounts of calcium by a nitrobenzene solution of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate (H⁺B^?) in the presence of dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6, L) and dicyclohexano-24-crown-8 (DCH24C8, L) has been investigated. The equilibrium data have been explained assuming that the species HL⁺, $ {\text{HL}}_{2}^{ + },$ CaL²⁺ and $ {\text{CaL}}_{2}^{2 + } $ (L = DCH18C6, DCH24C8) are present in the organic phase. The values of extraction and stability constants of the complex species in nitrobenzene saturated with water have been determined. It was found that the stability constants of CaL²⁺ (L = DCH18C6, DCH24C8) for both ligands under study are practically the same in nitrobenzene saturated with water, whereas in this medium the stability of the complex $ {\text{CaL}}_{2}^{2 + } $ involving the DCH24C8 ligand is somewhat higher than that of $ {\text{CaL}}_{2}^{2 + } $ with the ligand DCH18C6.     

A thermodynamic study of complex formation between dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6) and La3+, UO 22+ , Ag+, and NH 4+ cations in acetonitrile-tetrahydrofuran binary media using conductometric method

The complex formation between La³⁺, UO₂²⁺ Ag⁺, and NH₄⁺ cations and macrocyclic ligand, dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6), was studied in acetonitrile-tetrahydrofuran (AN-THF) binary mixtures at different temperatures using the conductometric method. The results show that with the exception of complexation of the NH₄⁺ cation with DCH18C6 in pure acetonitrile, the stoichiometry of all the complexes is being 1: 1 (M: L). The stability constants of the complexes were determined using a GENPLOT computer program. The nonlinear behavior which was observed for changes of log K _f of the complexes versus the composition of the mixed solvent was discussed in terms of solvent-solvent interaction in their binary solution, which results in changing the chemical and physical properties of the constituent solvents when they mix with one another and, therefore, changing the solvation capacities of the metal cations, crown ether molecules, and even the resulting complexes with changing the mixed solvent composition. The results show that the selectivity of DCH18C6 for the studied cations changes with the composition of the AN-THF binary system. The sequence of stabilities of complexes in an AN-THF binary solution (mol. % AN = 75.0) at 25°C is [(DCH18C6)La)]³⁺ > [(DCH18C6)UO₂]²⁺ > [(DCH18C6)Ag]⁺ ∼ [(DCH18C6)NH₄]⁺, but in the case of other binary systems of AN/THF (mol. % AN = 25.0 and 50.0) is [(DCH18C6)La]⁺ > [(DCH18C6)NH₄]⁺ ∼ [DCH18C6)UO₂]²⁺ > [(DCH18C6)Ag]⁺. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Study of Complex Formation Between Dicyclohexano-18-Crown-6 (DCH18C6) with Mg 2+, Ca2+, Sr 2+, and Ba2+ Cations in Methanol–Water Binary Mixtures Using Conductometric Method

The complexation reactions between Mg²⁺,Ca²⁺,Sr²⁺ and Ba²⁺ metal cations with macrocyclic ligand, dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6) were studied in methanol (MeOH)–water (H₂O) binary mixtures at different temperatures using conductometric method . In all cases, DCH18C6 forms 1:1 complexes with these metal cations. The values of stability constants of complexes which were obtained from conductometric data show that the stability of complexes is affected by the nature and composition of the mixed solvents. While the variation of stability constants of DCH18C6-Sr ²⁺ and DCH18C6-Ba²⁺versus the composition of MeOH–H₂O mixed solvents is monotonic, an anomalous behavior was observed for variations of stability constants of DCH18C6-Mg²⁺ and DCH18C6-Ca²⁺ versus the composition of the mixed solvents. The values of thermodynamic parameters (ΔH_c°, ΔS_c°) for complexation reactions were obtained from temperature dependence of formation constants of complexes using the van’t Hoff plots. The results show that in most cases, the complexation reactions are enthalpy stabilized but entropy destabilized and the values of thermodynamic parameters are influenced by the nature and composition of the mixed solvents. The obtained results show that the order of selectivity of DCH18C6 ligand for metal cations in different concentrations of methanol in MeOH–H₂O binary system is: Ba²⁺>Sr²⁺>Ca²⁺> Mg²⁺.     

Sequential determination of Am, Cm, Pu, Np and U by extraction chromatography

Environmental contamination by artificial radionuclides and the evaluation of their sources require precise isotopic analysis and accurate determination of actinide elements above all plutonium and americium. These can be achieved by alpha spectrometry or by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after chemical separation. In the present work, a simple, rapid method has been developed for the sequential separation of actinide elements from aqueous solutions and their determination by alpha spectrometry. Extraction chromatography was applied to the separation of ²⁴¹Am, ²⁴⁴Cm, ^{239 + 240,238}Pu, ²³⁷Np and ^238,235,234U using microporous polyethylene supporting tri-n-octylamine as the stationary phase and hydrochloric acid with and without reducing agents as the mobile phase. Actinide in 9 M HCl solution is introduced into the anion exchange column; Pu (IV), Np (IV) and U(VI) are retained on the column while Am (III) and Cm passed through. Pu is eluted first, reductively, after which, Np and then U are eluted. The method can be applied to all aqueous solutions which do not contain strong complexing or precipitation agents for the elements considered.     

Extraction of uranium(VI) and plutonium(IV) with some high molecular weight aliphatic monoamides from nitric acid medium

The extraction behavior of U(VI) and Pu(IV) with dioctyloctanamide (DOOA), dioctylethylhexanamide (DOEHA) and diisobutylethylhexanamide (DIBEHA) was investigated from nitric acid medium. With DOOA, U(VI) extraction is higher than that for Pu(IV) upto 5M HNO₃ and the trend is reversed at higher acid concentrations. Extraction yield of U(VI) is higher than that for Pu(IV) in the case of DOEHA and DIBEHA. DIBEHA extraction of Pu(IV) is found to be very small. The lower value of the distribution ratio for Pu(IV) with branched amides was attributed to steric reasons. The possibility of using these amides for separation of U(VI) and Pu(IV) without valency adjustment was explored. Both U(VI) and Pu(IV) are extracted as their disolvates by DOOA and DOEHA.     

Preparation and sorption performance of magnetic 18-crown-6/Fe3O4 nanocomposite for uranium(VI) in solution

A new magnetic nanocomposite material, magnetic 18-crown-6/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite (MCFN), was prepared for the removal of U(VI) from aqueous solution. The MCFN was composed of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticales modified by covalent attachment of 18-crown-6, which can help the material to be removed easily from solution by magnetic force. As a new adsorbent for U(VI) removal, MCFN was characterized by infrared radiation, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer and thermal gravimetric analysis. Those factors affecting the sorption behavior of U(VI), such as acidity, temperature, initial concentration of U(VI) and the amount of crown ethers were studied by orthogonal experiments. A maximum U(VI) sorption capacity of 91.12 mg g^?1 was achieved at 45 °C, pH 5.5 for 30 min. The experimental results showed that MCFN had great sorption capacity, high selectivity and strong potentiality of enrichment and recovery for U(VI). In summary, MCFN is a promising candidate for U(VI) separation in future practical applications.     

Use of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Based Aqueous Biphasic System (ABS) for the Extraction of Pu(IV), Pu(VI) and Am(III) with 18-Crown-6: A Thermodynamic Study

Extraction of Pu(IV), Pu(VI) and Am(III) using PEG-2000/ (NH₄)₂SO₄ (40% w/w of each) ABS with 18-crown-6 (18-C-6) as the extractant was studied at four fixed temperatures in the range 288 to 318 K. The distribution ratios follow the order: Pu(VI) > Pu(IV) > Am(III). The species extracted were identified to be [Pu·2(18-C-6)](SO₄)₂, [PuO₂·(18-C-6)]SO₄ and [Am·2(18-C-6)](SO₄)_1.5 for Pu(IV), Pu(VI) and Am(III), respectively. The equilibrium constants (K) evaluated for the extraction reactions follow the order, K _Pu(IV) > K _Pu(VI) > K _Am(III) as expected in accordance with the axial charge experienced by the incoming ligand (18-C-6). The thermodynamic parameters evaluated at 298 K showed the reaction to be stabilized by the decrease in enthalpy and counteracted by the decrease in entropy in all the three cases. The large decrease in the enthalpy observed in all the cases showed that there is direct bonding of crown ether to the central metal atom (i.e., the formation of inner sphere complex).     

Interaction of Iodine with Hexaaza-18-crown-6 and Tetraaza-14-crown-4 in Chloroform Solution

Interactions of hexaaza-18-crown-6 (HA18C6) and tetraaza-14-crown-4 (TA14C4) with iodine have been investigated spectrophotometrically in chloroform solution. The observed time dependence of the charge-transfer band and subsequent formation of I₃ ^- in solution were related to the slow transformation of the initially formed 1:1 macrocycle. I₂ outer complex to an inner electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex, followed by fast reaction of the inner complex with iodine to form a triiodide ion, as follows: macrocycle + I₂→_fast ^K _f macrocycle.I₂ (outer complex) macrocycle.I₂ (outer complex) →^slow (macrocycle.I⁺)I^- (inner complex) macrocycle.I⁺)I^- (inner complex) + I²→^slow (macrocycle.I⁺)I₃ ^-. The pseudo-first-order rate constants at various temperatures for thetransformation process were evaluated from the absorbance-time data. The activation parameters (E_a, Δ H^?, and Δ S^?) for thetransformation were obtained from the temperature dependence of the rate constants. The stoichiometry and formation constants of the resulting EDA complexes have also been determined. It was found that the (TA14C4.I⁺)I₃ ^- is more stable the (HA18C6.I⁺)I₃ ^- complex in chloroform solution.     

Determination of the thermodynamic parameters,stoichiometry, and stability constants for complex formation of dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6 and 15-crown-5 with Y3+, La3+, and Hg2+ cations in binary solutions

The complexation of Y³⁺, La³⁺, and nd Hg²⁺ cations with macrocyclic ligands, dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6) and 15-crown-5 (15C5) have been studied in acetonitrile (AN)-N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) binary solutions at different temperatures using conductometric method. The conductance data revealed 1: 1 [ML] stoichiometry for most complexes in pure DMF and AN-DMF binary solutions, except for the (DCH18C6-Y³⁺) complex in pure AN (1: 2, [ML₂]). The stability constants of DCH18C6-La³⁺ and 15C5-La³⁺ in pure AN were higher than in pure DMF at all temperatures. Nonlinear behavior was observed for the stability constants of complexes against the composition of AN-DMF binary solutions at all temperatures. The minimum log K _f value for the 15C5-La³⁺ complex in AN-DMF binary solutions was obtained at χ_AN = 0.5, which may be due to negative excess viscosities η^E of AN-DMF mixtures over the whole composition range with a minimum value of χ_AN = 0.5. Moreover, the selectivity order of DCH18C6 and 15C5 for Y³⁺, La³⁺, and Hg²⁺ cations 25°C depended on the AN-DMF ratio. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH _C ⁰ ) for complex formation were obtained from the temperature dependences of the stability constants of the complexes using the van’t Hoff plots, and the standard entropy (ΔS _C ⁰ ) was calculated from the relationship: ΔG _{C, 298.15} ⁰ = ΔH _C ⁰ ? 298.15ΔS _C ⁰ .     

Study of complex formation between dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6 and UO2 2+ cation in some binary mixed non-aqueous solvents using conductometric method

In the present work, the complexation process between UO₂ ²⁺ cation and the macrocyclic ligand, dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6) was studied in ethyl acetate/1,2-dichloroethane (EtOAc/DCE), acetonitrile/1,2-dichloroethane (AN/DCE), methanol/1,2-dichloroethane (MeOH/DCE) and ethanol/1,2-dichloroethane (EtOH/DCE) binary solutions at different temperatures using the conductometric method. The conductance data show that in most cases, the stoichiometry of the complex formed between DCH18C6 and UO₂ ²⁺ cation is 1:1 [M:L], but in some solvent systems also a 1:2 [M:L₂] complex is formed in solutions. The values of stability constant of (DCH18C6·UO₂)²⁺ complex which were obtained from conductometric data, show that the stability of the complex is affected by the nature and also the composition of the solvent system and in all cases, a non-linear behavior is observed for the variation of (log?K _f) of the (DCH18C6·UO₂)²⁺ complex versus the composition of the binary mixed solvents. The values of thermodynamic quantities $ \Updelta H_{c}^{\circ} $ and $ \Updelta S_{c}^{\circ} $ for formation of (DCH18C6·UO₂)²⁺ complex were obtained from temperature dependence of the stability constant using the van’t Hoff plots. The experimental results show that depending on the nature and composition of the solvent systems, the complex is enthalpy stabilized or destabilized, but in most cases, it is stabilized from entropy view point and both thermodynamic parameters are affected by the nature and composition of the binary mixed solutions.     

Sr(NO_3)_2·DCH18C6配合物晶体结构与辐射稳定性

二环己基-18-冠-6(DCH18C6)可以有效地从高放废液中分离90Sr,对于减小放射性废物的危害和实现高放废物的减容有重要意义.由于在实际应用中DCH18C6处于射线照射下,其结构可能会被破坏并引起络合能力的变化,因此有必要对该配合物的辐射稳定性进行研究.本文合成了Sr(NO3)2?DCH18C6配合物晶体,并通过单晶X射线衍射(XRD)与扩展X射线吸收精细结构谱(EXAFS)等方法进行了表征,确定Sr2+与周围氧原子的配位数为10,Sr―O平均键长约为0.268 nm/0.266 nm(XRD/EXAFS).配位原子来自DCH18C6的六个氧原子以及两个作为双齿配体的硝酸根的四个氧原子.对该配合物晶体在空气中进行γ辐照,EXAFS结果表明吸收剂量为400 kGy时,Sr―O键长及配位数没有发生变化,配位结构没有被破坏,具有很好的耐辐照稳定性.显微红外光谱(Micro-FTIR)结果进一步证明辐照后冠醚环的部分C―H键氧化为羟基或羰基,但并不影响DCH18C6与Sr2+的配位结构.     

Stability of Complexes of NH4 + with 18-Crown-6, Dicyclohexyl-18-Crown-6, Dibenzo-18-Crown-6 and Dibenzo-24-Crown-8 in Water Saturated Nitrobenzene

From extraction experiments with ²²Na tracer, the exchange extraction constants corresponding to the NH₄ ⁺(aq) + NaL⁺ (nb)NH₄L⁺(nb) + Na⁺ (aq) equilibrium taking place in the two-phase water-nitrobenzene system (L = 18-crown-6, dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6, dibenzo-18-crown-6 and dibenzo-24-crown-8; aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) were evaluated. Furthermore, the stability constants of the NH₄L⁺ complexes in nitrobenzene saturated with water were calculated; they were found to increase in the order dibenzo-24-crown-8 (DB24C8) < dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6) < dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6) < 18-crown-6 (18C6).     

Nitrosation of hydrochlorothiazide and the modes of binding of the N-nitroso derivative with two macrocycles possessing an 18-membered crown ether cavity

The hydrochlorothiazide, 6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide-1,1-dioxide, (HCTZ), widely used as a diuretic and anti-hypertensive drug, was transformed into its N-nitroso-derivative, 6-chloro-4-nitroso-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide-1,1-dioxide (ON-HCTZ) by sodium nitrite in an acidic medium. The crystalline complexes of ON-HCTZ with 18-crown-6 (18C6) and cis-anti-cis-dicyclohexyl-18C6 (DCH6B) demonstrated different H-bonding modes from those present in the co-crystals of HCTZ with the same crown ethers. The influence of the nitroso-group on the binding mode and crystal packing is discussed.     

Reduction kinetics of Pu(IV) and Np(VI) by N,N-dimethylhydrazine,and its potential application in nuclear fuel reprocessing

Reduction kinetics of Pu(IV) by N,N-dimethylhydrazine (NNDMH) were studied by spectrophotometry, and the reduction rate equation in 3M (mol/dm³) nitric acid was obtained. The reduction properties of NNDMH for U(VI), Np(VI), and Pu(IV) was studied in the mixture solution of trin-butylphosphate diluted to 30 vol.% by n-dodecane (30% TBP) and 3M nitric acid. It was confirmed that NNDMH selectively reduce Np(VI) to Np(V) without affecting the valences of U(VI) and Pu(IV) in a few minutes. Numerical simulation indicated that 99.9% of Np was separated from U and Pu applying NNDMH for a mixer-settler.