Solvent extraction of U(VI) by N,N-dimethyl-N′,N′-dioctylsuccinylamide and N,N-dimethyl-N′,N′-didecylsuccinylamide in cyclohexane

Abstract

The extraction of uranyl nitrate by novel extractants of N,N-dimethyl-N 0 ,N 0 -dioctylsuccinylamide (DMDOSA) and N,N-dimethyl-N 0 ,N 0 -didecylsuccinylamide (DMDDSA) from aqueous nitric/nitrate solutions was investigated. It was found both the concentration of HNO 3 and extractants had an effect on the U(VI) extraction distribution. The extraction mechanism was established, and stoichiometry of the main extracted species was confirmed to be UO 2 (NO 3 ) 2 Á2DMDOSA and UO 2 (NO 3 ) 2 Á 2DMDDSA, respectively. Both of the extraction reactions are exothermic. FTIR spectral study of the U(VI) extracted species was also made.