SYNERGISM IN SOLVENT EXTRACTION OF METAL IONS BY DIBENZOYLMETHANE

Large synergistic effects are obtained in the extraction of lithium and sodium by dibenzoylmethane (DBM) plus neutral donor solvents (S). Smaller effects are obtained for uranium, much smaller ones for americium, and negligible effects for thorium extraction. The formulae of the synergistically-extracted species are Li(DBM)S2, Na(DBM)S2, and UO2(DBM)2S where S may be a phosphine oxide, a phosphate, an alcohol or an amide. Equilibrium constants are reported for these synergistic reactions for a wide range of species. © 1969.