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Tetra-butyl-malonamide and tetra-isobutyl-malonamide as extractants for uranium(VI) and plutonium(IV)

Journal Article · · Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange
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  1. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay (India)

Two new symmetrical diamides, namely straight-chain alkyl substituted neutral tetra-butyl-malonamide (TBMA) and sterically hindered branched-chain alkyl substituted tetra-isobutyl malonamide (TIBMA) were synthesised, characterised and used for the extraction of U(VI) and Pu(IV) from nitric acid media into n-dodecane. Both the cations were found to be extracted as their disolvates. Interestingly TBMA extracted more efficiently than TIBMA but afforded poor selectivity for Pu/U separation. The thermodynamic parameters involved in the extraction, determined by the temperature variation method, indicated the reactions in all cases to be enthalpy favoured. Entropy was found to be counteracting the extraction of U(VI) and favouring the extraction of Pu(IV). The recovery of diamides from the loaded actinides could be easily accomplished by using dilute oxalic acid or dilute U(IV) as the strippant for Pu(IV) and using dilute Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} as that for U(VI). 15 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
171534
Journal Information:
Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange, Journal Name: Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 11; ISSN 0736-6299; ISSN SEIEDB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English