Extraction of actinides by Amyl H-phosphonates

The extraction ability of organophosphorus extractants depends on the basicity of the phosphoryl oxygen as well as the nature of substituents attached to the P atom. The basicity of the phosphoryl group is enhanced when the C-O-P group is replaced by a C-P group. Phosphonates are found to be superior to phosphates in the extraction of uranium and thorium, due to the increased basicity of phosphoryl oxygen that binds to metal ion. Phosphonates do not have very high D values with metal ions, unlike phosphinates and phosphine oxides, ensuring the recovery of metal ion from the loaded organic phase easier during the stripping stage. In the present study, the effect of branching on extraction behaviour of Diamyl H phosphonate (DAHP) and Di sec amyl H phosphonate (DsAHP) in the extraction of uranium and americium as a function of nitric acid concentration was studied. ²³³U and ²⁴¹Am tracers were employed in the extraction studies