Synergistic Extraction and Separation of Heavy Lanthanide by Mixtures of Bis(2,4,4‐trimethylpentyl)phosphinic Acid and 2‐Ethylhexyl Phosphinic Acid Mono‐2‐Ethylhexyl Ester

Abstract

The extraction of Yb³⁺ from chloride solution has been studied using mixtures of bis(2,4,4‐trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid (Cyanex272) and 2‐ethylhexyl phosphinic acid mono‐2‐ethylhexl ester (P507). The results show that Yb³⁺ is extracted into heptane as YbA₃(HA)₃ with Cyanex272, YbL₃(HL)₃ with P507, and YbA₂L₄H₃ with synergistic mixture. The equilibrium constants, formation constants, and thermodynamic functions have been determined. Extraction mechanism and extraction process are also proposed. The extraction of heavy lanthanide ions by mixtures of Cyanex272 and P507 is studied and the possibility of separating heavy rare earth ions is discussed.     

Characterization of Extraction of Chromatographic Materials Containing Bis(2‐ethyl‐1‐hexyl)Phosphoric Acid, 2‐Ethyl‐1‐Hexyl (2‐Ethyl‐1‐Hexyl) Phosphonic Acid,and Bis(2,4,4‐Trimethyl‐1‐Pentyl)Phosphinic Acid

Abstract

This work describes the uptake of a wide range of metal ions, including alkaline earths, transition metals, post‐transition metals, lanthanides and actinides, from acidic nitrate and chloride media on extraction chromatographic resins prepared from three different acidic organophosphorus compounds: bis(2‐ethyl‐1‐hexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP), 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexyl(2‐ethyl‐1‐hexyl)phosphonic acid, (HEH[EHP]) and bis(2,4,4‐trimethyl‐1‐pentyl)phosphinic acid (H[DTMPP]). The data is plotted in a format allowing for the easy comparison of the uptake of all metal ions under a given condition. Additionally, examples of several novel separations using the three extraction chromatographic materials are discussed.     

Assessment of Di‐(2‐Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) in Municipal and Industrial Sludges of Taiwan by Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) and Gas Chromatography with Electron Ionization Detection

Abstract

In the present study, DEHP in selected municipal sewage (raw and treated) and industrial sludges of Taiwan was quantified by SFE and GC/EID. As a precursor, the optimal operating parameters of SFE were identified by laboratory experiments using DEHP spiked quartz sand. DEHP extraction efficiency was increased by the addition of modifier i.e. methanol (0.5 mL, 7%). DEHP concentration in all sewage sludge (M‐1 to M‐4) and a textile industry (I‐6) samples were above the limit suggested by the European Union (100 mg/kg). The results suggest that excess DEHP concentration observed in the sewage sludge needs considerable attention before disposal.     

Vapour phase O‐methylation of 2‐naphthol over the solid bases alkali‐loaded silica and Cs‐loaded MCM‐41

O‐alkylation of 2‐naphthol has been investigated in the vapour phase over alkali‐loaded fumed silica and Cs‐MCM‐41. Both SiO₂ and MCM‐41 had low C‐alkylation activities and no O‐alkylation activity. The introduction of alkali ions considerably increases 2‐naphthol conversion with 2‐methoxynaphthalene being the major product. The activity of the catalysts increases with alkali loading and the basicity of the metal (Cs > K > Na > Li). Very high conversion (∼99%) of 2‐naphthol and selectivity (>95%) for 2‐methoxynaphthalene are obtained over Cs‐loaded fumed silica and MCM‐41. A small amount of 1‐methyl‐2‐hydroxynaphthalene is also formed over the Li‐, Na‐ and K‐loaded silica. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Stereoselective Formation of 1,4‐Anhydro‐2‐C‐carboxytetritols in the Degradation of 1,5‐Anhydroribitol and 1,5‐Anhydroxylitol with Oxygen in Aqueous Alkali

Abstract

In addition to other acid products, degradation of 1,5‐anhydroribitol (5) and 1,5‐anhydroxylitol (6) with oxygen in 1.25 M NaOH produced diastereomeric 1,4‐anhydro‐2‐C‐carboxy‐D‐erythritol (7) and 1,4‐anhydro‐2‐C‐carboxy‐D‐threitol (8) and their enantiomers as major products. However, the ratio of the diastereomers differed for the two reactants. Thus, their formation could not proceed solely by benzilic acid‐type rearrangements through α‐dicarbonyl intermediates as typically proposed for formation of alkyl C‐carboxyfuranosides from alkyl glycopyranosides in similar reactions. The α‐dicarbonyl species that can form from 5 and 6 are identical. Potential mechanisms to account for stereoselective formation of 7 and 8 are presented.     

Chemical Properties of 2‐Bromodecanoic Acid

Abstract

Some chemical equilibrium constants for 2‐bromodecanoic acid were investigated. The dimerization constant of 2‐bromodecanoic acid, k₂ =278 M^?1, in tert‐butylbenzene was first derived from IR spectroscopy measurements. Secondly, the distribution coefficient, k _d =799, was found by combining the value of k₂ with distribution data obtained from solvent extraction experiments evaluated with the aid of neutron activation analysis. Finally the dissociation constant, k _a =3.18 ?10^?3 M, was estimated from two‐phase titrations. A theoretical calculation was made based on the obtained constants and this calculation was validated by a second solvent extraction experiment that gave a good correspondence between calculated and experimental values.     

Metal Extraction by Sulfur‐Containing Symmetrically‐Substituted Bisphosphonic Acids. Part I. P,P′‐di(2‐ethylhexyl) Methylenebisthio‐Phosphonic Acid

Abstract

P,P′‐dialkyl methylenebisphosphonic acids are powerful metal extraction reagents exhibiting strong affinity for a variety of metal ions, especially lanthanides and actinides. While the affinity of gem‐bisphosphonic acids is generally high for most metal ions because of their relative high acidity and ability to form six‐member chelate rings, the selectivity often is low. Thus, a strategy of incorporating soft‐donor atoms such as sulfur into gem‐bisphosphonic acids has been adopted to obtain enhanced metal selectivity while retaining high extraction efficiency. To this end a new class of sulfur‐containing gem‐bisphosphonic acid solvent extraction reagents was designed, synthesized, and evaluated for heavy element separations. Specifically, the novel sulfur‐containing P,P′‐di(2‐ethylhexyl) methylenebisthiophosphonic acid, H₂DEH[MBTP], was synthesized, characterized and its aggregation, metal extraction and acid‐base behavior assessed. Vapor phase osmometry measurements indicate that H₂DEH[MBTP] is less aggregated than its P,P′‐di(2‐ethylhexyl) methylenebisphosphonic acid analogue, H₂DEH[MBP], existing in toluene primarily as an equilibrium mixture of monomer and dimer in the concentration range studied. The acid dependency data for the extraction of Am³⁺ and Eu³⁺ from aqueous perchlorate solutions by H₂DEH[MBTP] in o‐xylene exhibit slopes close to ?3 at low acidity, consistent with extraction of a trivalent metal ion. The extractant dependency data exhibit pH dependent slopes, suggesting different stoichiometry of metal extraction under different acidities.     

Carbonyl‐precursor‐based W/Al2O3 and CoW/Al2O3 catalysts: characterization by temperature‐programmed methods

Carbonyl‐precursor‐based W/Al₂O₃ and bimetallic CoW/Al₂O₃ catalysts were prepared by gas‐phase adsorption in a fluidized‐bed reactor. The surface species formed during the gradual and controlled preparation process were studied by temperature‐programmed methods. Interactions on the surface were investigated as a function of metal loading by temperature‐programmed oxidation (TPO) and oxygen pulse chemisorption (PCO). A clear relationship was observed between decarbonylation treatment and the tungsten species formed. Total acidity of the samples was determined by temperature‐programmed desorption of ammonia (NH₃‐TPD). The NH₃‐TPD measurements, together with previous activity studies, suggest a relationship between total acidity and hydrotreating activity. The results of PCO and NH₃‐TPD measurements indicate that when the controlled gas‐phase preparation method is applied to zerovalent carbonyl precursor, the unfavourable formation of tungsten oxide can be minimized. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Para‐substituted 1‐Phenyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐aroyl‐5‐pyrazolones as Selective Extractants for Vanadium(V) from Acidic Chloride Solutions

Abstract

Para‐substituted 4‐aroyl derivatives of 1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐5‐pyrazolones (HX), namely, 1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐(4‐fluorobenzoyl)‐5‐pyrazolone (HPMFBP) and 1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐(4‐toluoyl)‐5‐pyrazolone (HPMTP) were synthesized and examined with regard to the extraction behavior of multivalent metal ions such as magnesium(II), aluminum(III), titanium(IV), vanadium(V), chromium(III), manganese(II), iron(II), and iron(III) that are present in titania waste chloride liquors. For comparison, studies have also been carried out with 1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐benzoyl‐5‐pyrazolone (HPMBP). The results demonstrate that vanadium(V) and iron(III) are extracted into chloroform with 4‐aroyl‐5‐pyrazolones as VO₂X · HX and FeX₃, respectively. On the other hand, magnesium(II), aluminum(III), titanium(IV), chromium(III), manganese(II), and iron(II) were not found to be extracted into the organic phase. The equilibrium constants of vanadium(V) and iron(III) with various 4‐aroyl‐5‐pyrazolones follow the order HPMFBP>HPMBP>HPMTP, which is in accordance with their pKa values. The selectivity between vanadium(V) and iron(III) increases with increasing hydrochloric acid concentration. Further, it is clear from the results that iron(III) is not getting extracted above 1.0 mol dm^?3 hydrochloric acid solution. The electronic and IR spectra of the extracted complexes of vanadium(V) and iron(III) were used to further clarify the nature of the extracted complexes. The potential of these reagents for the selective extraction and separation of vanadium(V) from titania waste chloride liquors has also been discussed.     

A Striking Effect of Ionic‐Liquid Anions in the Extraction of Sr2+ and Cs+ by Dicyclohexano‐18‐Crown‐6

Abstract

The nature of the ionic‐liquid (IL) anion has been found to have a remarkable effect on the solvent extraction of Sr²⁺ and Cs⁺ by dicyclohexano‐18‐crown‐6 dissolved in ionic liquids. In particular, the extraction efficiency increases with the hydrophobicity of the IL anion as reflected by the solubility in water of ILs having a common cation. Since a cation‐exchange mechanism is operating in these systems, the influence of the IL anion is in large part attributable to an expected Le Chatelier effect in which a greater aqueous concentration of IL cation, obtained when using an IL anion of lower hydrophobicity, opposes cation exchange. This dependence is opposite to that found for IL cations, indicating a significant advantage of using ILs with hydrophobic anions for cation extraction. Furthermore, the extraction selectivity for Sr²⁺ over Na⁺, K⁺, and Cs⁺ can be significantly improved through the use of hydrophobic anions for the ILs containing 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium or 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium cations.     

On the reactivity of K2O‐, CaO‐ and P2O5‐doped nickel molybdate catalysts in a periodic‐flow reactor

The propane oxydehydrogenation with monolayer lattice oxygen of undoped and K₂O–, CaO– and P₂O₅–NiMoO₄ was investigated by using a periodic‐flow reactor (PFR). The influence of the nature and the extent of the promoter has been emphasized relative to the doped catalysts with respect to pure NiMoO₄ phases. It was observed that calcium and potassium promoters satisfactorily enhance propylene selectivity, and phosphorus promoter specifically increases the total activity while maintaining the propylene selectivity. Evidence found by thermogravimetric (TG) analyses (oxygen depletion rate) has shown a dependence on lattice oxygen mobility due to the presence of promoters. This dependence has been correlated to the propane conversion while the propylene selectivity was attributed to the acid–base properties. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Synthesis and Metal‐ion Binding Properties of New N2S4O2‐ and N2S5O2‐Donor Macrocycles

Abstract

Synthetic procedures for new mixed‐donor macrocycle compounds were reported. The macrocyclic compounds were used in solvent extraction metal picrates such as Ag⁺, Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Co²⁺. The metal picrate extractions were investigated at 25±0.1°C with the aid of UV‐visible spectrometry. It was found that 6,7,9,10,12,13,23,24‐octahydro‐19H,26Hdibenzo[h,t](1,4,7,13,16,22,10,19) dioxatetrathiadiazasiclotetracosine‐20,27(21H,28H)‐dione showed selectivity towards Ag⁺, Hg²⁺, and Cd²⁺ among the other metals. The extraction constants (Log K_ex) and complex compositions were determined for the Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ complexes for this compound and 9,10,12,13,23,24,26,27,29,30‐decahydro‐5H,15H‐dibenzo‐[h,w][1,4,7,13,16,19,25‐,10,22] dioxapentathiadiazacycloheptacosine‐6,16(7H,17H)‐dione.     

Extraction Properties of 6,6′‐Bis‐(5,6‐dipentyl‐[1,2,4]triazin‐3‐yl)‐[2,2′]bipyridinyl (C5‐BTBP)

Abstract

The extraction of americium(III) and europium(III) into a variety of organic diluents by 6,6′‐bis‐(5,6,‐dipentyl‐[1,2,4]triazin‐3‐yl)‐[2,2′]bipyridinyl (C5‐BTBP) has been investigated. In addition to determining the stoichiometry for the extraction, the dependence of extraction on contact time and temperature was also studied. The resistance of the ligand to gamma irradiation and the possibility to recycle the organic phase after stripping were tested to determine how the molecule would perform in a radiochemical process. Different organic diluents gave different extraction results, ranging from no extraction to distribution ratios of over 1000 for americium(III). In 1,1,2,2‐tetrachloroethane, the extraction and separation of americium from europium and the extraction kinetics were good; a separation factor above 60 was obtained at equilibrium, ～5 min contact time. The extraction capabilities are adequate for C5‐BTBP to be used in a process for separating trivalent actinides from lanthanides. However, C5‐BTBP is susceptible to radiolysis (americium extraction decreases ～80% after a dose of 17 kGy) and may not be the best choice in the processing of spent nuclear fuel. Nonetheless it is a useful starting point for further development of this type of molecule. It could also prove useful for analytical scale separations for which radiolytic instability is less important.     

Extraction of Palladium(II) from Nitric Acid Solutions with 1‐Benzoyl‐3‐[6‐(3‐benzoyl‐thioureido)‐hexyl]‐thiourea

The extraction of palladium (II) from HNO₃ solutions with 1‐Benzoyl‐3‐[6‐(3‐benzoyl‐thioureido)‐hexyl]‐thiourea (Ia) and several monodentate thiourea derivatives in 1,2‐dichloroethane has been studied. The effect of HNO₃ concentration in the aqueous phase and that of the extractant in the organic phase on the Pd(II) extraction is considered. The stoichiometry of the extracted complexes has been determined. The increasing number of thioamide groups in the molecule of Ia increases its extraction efficiency towards Pd(II). The potentialities of a polymeric resin impregnated with compound Ia for selective extraction of Pd(II) from nitric acid solutions are demonstrated.     

Extraction of Actinides with Different 6,6′‐Bis(5,6‐Dialkyl‐[1,2,4]‐Triazin‐3‐yl)‐[2,2′]‐Bipyridines (BTBPs)

Abstract

The extraction of Am(III), Th(IV), Np(V), and U(VI) from nitric acid by 6,6′‐bis(5,6‐dialkyl‐[1,2,4]‐triazin‐3‐yl)‐[2,2′]‐bipyridines (C2‐, C4‐, C5‐, and CyMe₄‐BTBP) was studied. Since only americium and neptunium extraction was dependent on the BTBP concentration, computational chemistry was used to explain this behavior. It has been shown that the coordination of the metal played an important role in forming an extractable complex into the organic phase, thus making it possible to extract pentavalent and trivalent elements from tetravalent and hexavalent elements. This is very important, especially because it shows other possible utilizations of a group of molecules meant to separate the actinides from the lanthanides. In addition, the level of extraction at very low or no BTBP concentration was explained by coordination chemistry.     

High‐activity catalyst of SO 4 2− /ZrO2 supported on γ‐Al2O3 for n‐butane isomerization

A series of Al₂O₃supported SO ₄ ^2– /ZrO₂ superacid catalysts (named SZ/Al₂O₃) were prepared by a precipitation method and their catalytic behavior for nbutane isomerization at low temperature in the absence of H₂ and at high temperature in the presence of H₂ was studied in this paper. The catalytic activities of some of these catalysts were enhanced significantly at both low and high temperatures. At 250°C after 6 h on stream, the steady activity of the most active sample, 60%SZ/Al₂O₃, is about two times higher than that of conventional SZ. The texture properties of catalysts were studied by the methods of XRD and the adsorption of N₂. Experimental evidence of IR of adsorbed pyridine indicates that the significant activity enhancements of SZ/Al₂O₃ catalysts are caused by the increasing of the amount of strong acid sites.     

Regeneration behaviors of Fe/Si‐2 and Fe–Mn/Si‐2 catalysts for C2H6 dehydrogenation with CO2 to C2H4

The catalytic performance of Fe/Si‐2 and Fe–Mn/Si‐2 catalysts for conversion of C₂H₆ with CO₂ to C₂H₄ was examined in a continuous‐flow and fixed‐bed reactor. The results show that the Fe–Mn/Si‐2 catalyst exhibits much better reaction activity and selectivity to C₂H₄ than those of the Fe/Si‐2 catalyst. Furthermore, the coking–decoking behaviors of these catalysts were studied through TG. The catalytic performances of the catalysts after regeneration for conversion of C₂H₆ or dilute C₂H₆ in FCC off‐gas with CO₂ to C₂H₄ were also examined. The results show that both activity and selectivity of the Fe–Mn/Si‐2 catalyst after regeneration reached the same level as those of the fresh catalyst, whereas it is difficult for the Fe/Si‐2 catalyst to refresh its reaction behavior after regeneration. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Steady‐state N2O decomposition on Pt and Rh surfaces using a free‐jet molecular‐beam excited by nozzle heating

Steady‐state N₂O decomposition reaction on polycrystalline Pt and Rh surfaces has been studied using a supersonic free‐jet molecular beam (2.1 × 10¹⁸ molecules/cm² s). The energy of the incident N₂O beam was controlled by a nozzle heating technique in conjunction with a seeding technique. The decomposition rate shows both translational and vibrational energy dependence on the Pt surface. However, there is also the surface temperature dependence of the decomposition rate even varying the incident beam energy, indicating precursor‐mediated dissociation of N₂O on the Pt surface. On the other hand, no energy dependence was observed on the Rh surface, suggesting that the decomposition dynamics are different between Pt and Rh surfaces. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.