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Hydrolytic and radiolytic degradation of OphiD(iB)CMPO: Continuing studies. [TRUEX process solvent]

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5637441

The hydrolytic and radiolytic degradation of octyl(phenyl)-N,N-diisobutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO) in tetrachloroethylene (TCE) and tributylphosphate-TCE mixtures (TRUEX process solvent) has been investigated. Decomposition products of CMPO have been identified and quantified by gas chromatography and GC-mass spectrometry. CMPO is more severely hydrolyzed in TRUEX process solvent than in TCE, but radiation damage appears to be slightly more severe in TCE than in TRUEX-TCE. Hydrolysis and radiolysis of CMPO produce the same degradation products in different relative yields. Acidic organo-phosphorus degradation products, which interfere with the stripping of americium, are favored to a greater degree in hydrolysis and increase with (HNO/sub 3/). Treatment with Na/sub 2/CO/sub 3/ solution removes these acidic impurities. In radiolyzed samples destruction of CMPO is independent of (HNO/sub 3/). Extraction of Am in radiolyzed solutions decreases little despite 40% loss of extractant. Neither hydrolysis nor radiolysis appears to significantly compromise the performance of TRUEX-TCE process solvent. 4 refs., 8 figs., 4 tabs.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
5637441
Report Number(s):
CONF-871038-8; ON: DE88002969
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English