The influence of organic solvents on the extraction of Th(IV) and U(VI) using various types of ammonium-nitrates and aqueous nitric acid solutions. Part 2

The influence of ethanol on the distribution of thorium(IV) and uranium(VI) between solutions of nitric acid and solutions of Amberlite LA-2, Trilaurylamine and Aliquat 336-nitrate has been investigated. Increasing amounts of nitric acid and ethanol in the aqueous phase cause an increase of the acid concentration in the organic phase. This concentration can be calculated by a given formula for Amberlite LA-2. The distribution of acid and ethanol is discussed. The distribution ratios of thorium(IV) and uranium(VI) are changed by adding ethanol to the liquid-liquid system. This can be explained by the shift of the equilibrium of the metal nitrate complexes and by the enhanced extraction of acid. (author)