The extraction of uranium (VI) and thorium (IV) from nitric acid solutions by tri-n-octyl phosphine oxide

The distribution of uranium(vi) and thorium(iv) between nitric acid solutions and solutions of tri-n-octyl phosphine oxide (TOPO) in kerosene has been investigated. The organic phases have been studied by infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Further the absorption spectra of both the aqueous and organic phases have been examined in the extraction of uranium(vi).