Extraction of thorium nitrate with a binary extractant derived from trialkylbenzylammonium and higher isomeric α,α′-branched carboxylic acids

Abstract

A binary extractant based on trialkylbenzylammonium and higher isomeric α,α′-branched carboxylic acids, R4NA, was prepared. The extraction of Th(IV) nitrate with 0.52 M solutions of R4NA and R4NNO3 in toluene was studied. The extraction isotherms were determined. The physicochemical and mathematical models of the Th extraction were constructed. Formation of several extractable species in the organic phase, (R4N)2[Th(NO3)6], R4N[ThA(NO3)4], and (R4N)2[ThA2(NO3)4], was established. The extraction constants were calculated. The organic phase was studied by IR spectroscopy.