Solvent extraction of uranyl(II) ion with N,N,N',N'-tetrabutylmalonamide from nitric acid solution

The symmetrical type of diamide, N,N,N',N'-tetrabutylmalonamide (TBMA) was synthesized, characterized and used for the extraction of uranyl(II) ion from nitric acid media in a diluent composed of 50% 1,2,3-trimethyl benzene (TMB) and 50% kerosene (OK). The effects of nitric acid concentration, uranyl(II) ion concentration, extractant concentration, temperature and salting-out agent (LiNO3) on distribution coefficients of uranyl(II) ion have been studied. The formation of an 1:2:1 uranyl(II) ion, nitrate ion and N,N,N',N'-tetrabutylmalonamide complex as extracted species was further confirmed by IR spectra of the saturated extraction of uranyl(II) ion with TBMA, the values the thermodynamic functions have also been calculated. (author)