EXTRACTION AND ABSORPTION-SPECTRA OF AMERICIUM THIOCYANATE COMPLEXES IN XYLENE

Extraction of Am(III) and Eu(III) from 1 M NM4SCN by a quaternary amine ASCN has been investigated. The results suggest extraction of a 7-coordinated SCN- complex of the trivalent ions into the amine phase. A correlation between the number of SCN- groups attached to the metal ions and the separation factor between them when they are extracted by different extractants has been observed. Absorption spectra of Am(III) extracted from SCN- solutions by TOPO, ASCN and a synergistic mixture of the two in xylene has been recorded in the vicinity of the 503 nm band. A progressive increase in λmax and ε{lunate}max with increasing number of SCN- groups attached to Am(III) has been observed and qualitatively correlated with the covalency of Am(III)-SCN- bonds. © 1979.