New way to separate isotopes

Journal Article · Fri Oct 19 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Science; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.206.4416.317· OSTI ID:5201559

Maugh, II, T H

A separation of odd atomic weight isotopes based on the slight magnetic moment of the isotope is reported. Photolysis of dibenzyl ketone (DBK) in a micelle yields the expected pair of free radicals; but the radicals cannot separate nearly as rapidly as in organic solvents, and conversion of the radical from the triplet to the singlet state will have time to occur before the radicals diffuse apart. Radicals having a carbon-12 carbonyl will undergo the conversion much more slowly and will eventually diffuse into the squeous phase where they will be scavenged. This results in a carbon-13 carbonyl enrichment in the organic phase that depends on the length of time the reaction is conducted and the extent of photolysis. The method has been demonstrated for a 1000% enrichment of carbon-13 with DBK and with less efficiency for enrichment of oxygen-17 with 9, 10-diphenylanthracene endoperoxide. If an appropriate chemical reaction is found, the method shoud be applicable to enrichment of uranium-235. (BLM)

• OSTI ID: 5201559
• Journal Information: Science; (United States), Journal Name: Science; (United States) Vol. 206; ISSN SCIEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400203 -- Isotope Exchange & Isotope Separation-- (-1987)
ACTINIDE ISOTOPES
CARBON ISOTOPES
ISOTOPE SEPARATION
ISOTOPES
MAGNETIC MOMENTS
OXYGEN ISOTOPES
SEPARATION PROCESSES
URANIUM ISOTOPES