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Radiolysis of an extraction system based on solutions of tri-n-butylphosphate in hydrocarbon diluents

Journal Article · · Sov. Radiochem. (Engl. Transl.); (United States)
OSTI ID:6088754

A study was made of the radiation chemical conversions occurring in the extraction system 30% TBP-n-undecane-3.0 M nitric acid in the presence and absence of uranyl nitrate. Also studied were systems of 30% TBP-n-paraffin-3.0 M nitric acid in which dodecane, tridecane, hexadecane, and heptadecane were used as diluents. Irradiation of the extraction systems was carried out using a gamma source at a dose rate of 1.7-2.0 Gy/sec. The radiolysis products accumulating in the organic phase were identified by chromatographic mass spectrometry, using thin-layer chromatography for preliminary separation of the product mixture into classes. In a number of cases the radiolysis products were modified chemically before chromatographic separation. As a result, the composition of the products of the radiolysis of diluent and extractant, and their accumulation in the organic phase, were determined as functions of the absorbed dose in the range 0.05-2.8 MGy. The products of radiolysis of the extractant included bifunctional substances, such as alkylphosphates having nitro or alkyl groups in the alkyl radical. Radiation chemical yields were determined for products of radiolysis of the diluent: alcohols, ketones, nitroalkanes, alkylnitrates, and dimers of the hydrocarbon diluent molecule.

OSTI ID:
6088754
Journal Information:
Sov. Radiochem. (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Journal Name: Sov. Radiochem. (Engl. Transl.); (United States) Vol. 29:6; ISSN SVRDA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English