New organic chelating agents for complexation of cations. Application to nuclear waste treatment

Pentaalkylpropanediamides are powerful extractants for the treatment of both nitric and chloride wastes. They are easily synthesized and purified. Containing no phosphorus atom they can be completely incinerated, creating no secondary wastes. Extraction is optimized by a proper choice of alkyl substituents allowing high extraction efficiency for Am3+, use of aliphatic diluents without third phase formation in contact of concentrated nitric acid, low aqueous solubility, increased iron separation and stability toward hydrolysis and radiolysis