Distribution /Extraction /Sulphoxides/Uraniumf VI) /Protactinium(V)
AbstiactThe liquid-liquid extraction of protactinium(V) from HCl solutions by dipentyl and dioctyl sulphoxides (DPSO and DOSO, respectively), tributyl phosphate (TBP) and theii mixtures in diluents over a wide ränge of conditions has been studied. The species extracted appear to be PaOO, • 3 DPSO, PaOCl, • 3 DOSO and PaOClj -2 TBP. The mixtures of extractants exhibit synergism. The extraction of Pa(V) increases roughly linearly with decrease in the dielectric constant of the diluent. In the extraction of uranium(VI) from HCl solutions by a series of sulphoxides (R, SO) from dipentyl to didecyl, the extracted species appear to be of the type UO, O, • 3 R, SO and/or UO, Cl, • HO • 3 R, SO. Dipentyl and dioctyl sulphoxides are shown to be better extractants. The extraction efficiency of the sulphoxides follows the order: dioctyl > dipentyl > diheptyl > dinonyl > dihexyl > didecyl sulphoxide at any aqueous acidity of the ränge studied. A comparative study of the extraction of zirconium(IV), thorium(IV), protactinium(V), and uranium(VI) with dipentyl sulphoxide (DPSO) shows that the metals can be separated from one another under controlled conditions of aqueous phase acidity.