SOLVENT-EXTRACTION OF THORIUM(IV) WITH DIALKYLDITHIOPHOSPHORIC ACIDS

Solvent extraction of thorium(IV) from aqueous solution with dialkyldithiophosphoric acids (RO)2P(S)SH, (abbreviated Hdtp) in different organic solvents shows that the chain length in Hdtp significantly influence the magnitude of the distribution ratio. The diluent effect and the influence of the inorganic anion present in the aqueous phase was investigated in the Th - di(2-ethylhexyl) dithiophosphoric acid (HEhdtp) extraction system. The treatment of the partition data shows that the extraction of Th(IV) in benzene, cyclohexane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and n-butanol from perchlorate, chloride and nitrate media occurs via an ion-exchange mechanism. Inorganic anions present in the aqueous phase do not participate in the formation of the extracted species but influence the magnitude of the distribution ratios.