Redox behavior of Pu(IV) in tributyl phosphate and N,N-dihexyl octanamide extractants dissolved in n-dodecane

The relative stability of different oxidation states of actinide elements is influenced by the nature of complexes formed, redox equilibria in aqueous/non-aqueous solutions. Organic soluble hydroquinones have been used as reductants for Pu(IV) to Pu(III) and Np(VI) to Np(V) extracted from nitric acid media. In this context, tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBH) was evaluated as a reductant of plutonium for reprocessing and analytical applications. These interesting applications, however, require an insight in to the redox reactions taking place in the organic phases. Extensive studies have suggested that N,N-dihexyl octanamide (DHOA) is a promising alternative of tributyl phosphate (TBP) for reprocessing applications. This paper presents the spectrophotometric investigations on the redox behavior of Pu(IV) extracted in 1.1 M TBP and 1.1 M DHOA solutions in n-dodecane