Synergistic extraction of uranium(VI) with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-acylpyrazolone-5 and neutral extractants

The synergistic extraction of uranium(VI) from hydrochloric acid solution with five chelating agents: 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoylpyrazolone-5 (PMBP), 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-acetylpyrazolone-5 (PMAP), 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-(2-chlorobenzoyl)pyrazolone-5 (PMCBP), 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-(p-nitrobenzoyl)pyrazolone-5 (PMNBP) and 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-trifluoroacetylpyrazolone-5 (PMTFP) plus the neutral extractants tributylphosphate (TBP), dioctyl sulfoxide (DOSO) and trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) in chloroform has been investigated. The extraction coefficients have been found to be greater for such mixtures than the individual component. The formulas of the extracted species have been determined to be UO₂A₂B (where HA = chelating agent, B = neutral extractant). Extraction power of these chelating agents increases as follows: PMCBP>PMNBP>PMTFP=PMBP>PMAP. Synergistic extraction power of the neutral extractants increases as follows: TOPO>DOSO>TBP. The extraction equilibrium constants have been calculated. The mechanism of the synergistic extraction and possible structure of the extracted species are discussed.