Abstract
The rapid degradation of the highly persistent chemical tributylphosphate (TBP) using the ecofriendly and inexpensive salt potassium iodide is described. The process involves the dealkylation of TBP at 100°C in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), representing the most rapid and mildest conditions for its breakdown reported to date. The reaction follows pseudo-first order kinetics with a half-life of t½ = 4.72 ± 0.41 h. Furthermore, in an attempt to closely mimic conditions encountered during the PUREX process in nuclear power plants, we conducted the reaction in a 1:1 dodecane:DMSO mixture. Under these conditions, TBP was found to still degrade, albeit at a slower rate than in pure DMSO with a half-life of t½ = 16.2 ± 0.4 h. The process represents the first step in the degradation of TBP into inorganic phosphate that, due to its mild and eco-friendly nature can be adapted to a large-scale operation.
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