Solvent Extraction Behavior of Plutonium (IV) Ions in the Presence of Simple Hydroxamic Acids

Abstract

Formo‐ and aceto‐hydroxamic acids are very effective reagents for stripping Pu(IV) ions from a tri‐butyl phosphate phase into nitric acid. Distribution data for Pu(IV) in the presence of these hydroxamate ions have been obtained and trends established. The affinity of aceto‐hydroxamic acid for Pu(IV) ions and its selectivity over U(VI) ions is demonstrated by the values of the stability constants in HClO₄. These data support the applications of simple hydroxamic acids in advanced Purex‐type solvent extraction systems.