SYNERGISTIC EXTRACTION OF NEPTUNIUM(IV) BY MIXTURES OF HTTA (THENOYLTRIFLUOROACETONE) AND TBP (TRI-N-BUTYLPHOSPHATE)

The results obtained on the extraction of Np(IV) into mixtures of HTTA and TBP by solvent extraction and spectrophotometric methods are reported here. The predominant extractable species, when perchloric acid was employed for extraction, was found to be Np(TTA)4-TBP when benzene was used as the solvent and probably Np(TTA)3.3TBP+C10-4when nitrobenzene was used as the solvent. On the other hand, when nitric acid was employed for the extraction into a benzene solution of the mixture, a number of extractable species, Np(NO3)4-x(TTA)JC 'yTBP (x= 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, and y = 0, 1, and 2), appear to be involved. Values of some equilibrium constants are reported. © 1979, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.