Synthesis and characterization of N,N,N',N'-tetrabutylsuccinamide as extractant for uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) ions from nitric acid solution

Synthesis and characterization of N,N,N',N'-tetrabutylsuccinamide (TBSA) was carried out and used for the extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) from nitric acid solutions. Toluene was found to be the most suitable diluent for TBSA compared with the other diluents tested. Extraction distribution ratios (D) of U(VI) and Th(IV) have been studied as a function of aqueous HNO3 concentrations, NO3- ion concentration, TBSA concentration and temperature. The results obtained indicated that U(VI) and Th(IV) are mainly extracted as UO2(NO3)2 x 2TBSA and Th(NO3)4 x TBSA, respectively, and the IR spectra of the extracted species have been investigated. The values of thermodynamic functions have been calculated. Back-extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) from organic phases was also studied. (author)