A study on distribution ratio of U(VI) and Th (IV) with unsymmetrical phosphate as extractant

Uranium and thorium are the two most vital elements for nuclear energy industry. Since the disposal of waste effluents containing uranium and thorium has serious hazard impacts on the environment than the reprocessing of irradiated thorium. The methodology adopted for the separation of these metal ions from different ores and nuclear fuel reprocessing has always attracted the attention of separation scientists. Separation of uranium and thorium is relatively difficult because thorium does not display variable oxidation states. It was observed that a change in the structural morphology of the phosphates yields the distribution ratios of U (VI) and Th(IV) at variable acid concentration comparable to that obtained with TBP. Introduction of a different alkyl group in place of butyl group either as a branched group or longer chain alkane does not profoundly affect the basicity of P=O group taking part in coordination