Extraction of uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) ions from nitric acid solutions by N,N,N′,N′-tetrabutyladipicamide

Abstract

A new symmetrical diamide, the straight-chain alakyl substituted neutral tetrabutyladipicamide (TBAA) has been synthesized, characterized and used for the extraction of U(V) and Th(IV) from nitric acid solutions in a diluent composed of 50% 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene (TMB) and 50% kerosene (OK). Extraction distribution coefficients of U(VI) and Th(IV) as a function of aqueous nitric acid concentration, extractant concentration and temperature have been studied. Back-extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) from organic phases by dilute nitric acid has been undertaken. From the data, the compositions of extracted species, equilibrium constants and enthalpies of extraction reactions have also been calculated.