Through utilization of differences in liquid-liquid extractive behavior among the transition elements, approximately sixty grams of Th1 2™ (ionium) of isotopic purity averaging 11%, a radionuclide of importance for conversion to Pa231 through neutron-irradiation and for tracer applications, has been isolated from an aqueous solution of nitrates resulting from the processing of Belgian Congo pitchblende concentrate for uranium. The Th230 (5 g. per ton of liquor) and accompanying scandium, yttrium, rare earths and residual uranium were separated from bulk contaminants and certain radionuclides by use of one solvent system, the residual uranium eliminated by use of a second and the remaining contaminants eliminated by use of a third solvent system. The mass ratio of scandium, the only massive contaminant detectable, to product Th230 was less than 0.001. Extraneous alpha activity was less than two tenths of 1% of the total, and beta-gamma contamination was negligible.

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I This report was prepared as an account of Government sponsored work. Neither the United I States, nor the Commission, nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission: privately owned rights; or ed in the above. "pereon contractor of the Commis ANL-7088 Engineering and Equipment (TID-4500, 46th ~d .

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