THE PREPARATION OF ANHYDROUS PLUTONIUM TRICHLORIDE
Preparation of PuCl/sub 3/ by chlorination of plutonium dioxide, plutonium(N) "carbonate," and plutonium (III) and Pu (IV) oxalates with phosgene or hydrogen chloride is described. In the chlorination of plutonium dioxides by phosgene, no reaction took place below 700 deg C. Small samples (10 to 50 mg) were completely chlorinated at 850 deg C, but larger (5g) samples were only partly chlorinated since a layer of molten PuCl/sub 3/ prevented the reaction from going to completion. Complete conversion of plutonium(III) oxalate to PuCl/ sub 3/ with phosgene was obtained in 3 to 4 hr at 600 to 650 deg C, but the product was contaminated with carbon. Quantitative conversion of the "carbonate" to the trichloride was repeatedly obtained on the 20-g-plutonium scale. In hydrochlorination of plutonium (III) or (IV) oxalate, heating the oxalates at 140 deg C (in argon) for 1 to 2 hr before introducing hydrogen chloride at 140 deg C was found desirable. (M.C.G.)
- Research Organization:
- Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, Berks, Eng.
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-010801
- OSTI ID:
- 4087352
- Journal Information:
- J. Inorg. & Nuclear Chem., Journal Name: J. Inorg. & Nuclear Chem. Vol. Vol: 16
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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