A new volumetric method for the determination of uranium(VI)

Summary A new volumetric method for the estimation of uranium(VI) salt based on its photoreduction in the presence of diethyl ether has been developed. The recommended procedure consists of exposing uranium(VI) solution in about 1 N sulphuric acid solution with an excess of saturated aqueous ether solution in a glass vessel to the light from a Phillips repro lamp or sun light for 1 hour. The uranium(IV) salt formed is estimated by titration with a standard solution of sodium vanadate.The reduction does not proceed to uranium(III) stage under any conditions of exposure. Fluoride, phosphate, arsenate and perchlorate are not found to interfere either with the photochemical reduction or with the subsequent oxidimetric titration. But chloride and bromide ions markedly inhibit the photochemical reaction.