3,3′-Bis(diisopropoxyphosphoryl)-1,1′-(heptane-1,7-diyl)diurea as a Very Efficient Extraction Agent for Europium and Americium

Abstract

Solvent extraction of microamounts of Eu3+ and Am3+ from water into nitrobenzene by means of a mixture of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate and 3,3′-bis(diisopropoxyphosphoryl)-1,1′-(heptane-1,7-diyl)diurea (L) was studied. The equilibrium data were explained by assuming that the species HL+, $$ {\text{ML}}_{2}^{3 + } $$ , and $$ {\text{ML}}_{3}^{3 + } $$ {M3+ = Eu3+, Am3+; L = 3,3′-bis(diisopropoxyphosphoryl)-1,1′-(heptane-1,7-diyl)diurea} are extracted into the organic phase. Extraction and stability constants of the cationic complex species in nitrobenzene saturated with water were determined and discussed. From the experimental results it is apparent that this very effective receptor for the Eu3+ and Am3+ cations could be considered as a potential extraction agent for nuclear waste treatment.