Synergistic Extraction of Plutonium (IV) from Nitric Acid Medium by Mixtures of TOPO and HTTA

Abstract

Synergistic solvent extraction of Pu(IV) from nitric acid medium by mixtures of thenoyltrifluoroacetone (HTTA) and tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) in benzene was investigated by a method developed for such studies. The species involved in the extraction were identified as Pu(NO₃)₄ · 2TOPO, Pu-(N0₃)₃(TTA) · 2TOPO, Pu(NO₃)₂(TTA)₂ · TOPO, and Pu(NO₃)(TTA)₃ · TOPO. The concentration equilibrium constants for the extraction of all the suggested species from 1.0 M nitric acid were calculated from the data obtained, and the concentration equilibrium constants for their formation in the organic phase were estimated.