Influence of the nature of components of extraction systems used for isolation of radionulides on interface tension

A comparison has been mado of the interface tension values for solutions of neutral organic phosphorous extractants, tributylphosphate (TBP) and trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO), and their solvates, UO2(NO3)2 (TBP) and UO2 (NO3)3 (TOPO)2 at the interface between the organic and aqueoUs phases. The interface activity of the solvates being extracted is shoWn to he considerably lower than the activity of a free extractant. A decrease in the solvate activity is explained by the binding of the P=0 nucleophilic group determining the interface surface activity during the solvate formation. The effect of the aqueous phase composition on the interface activity of TBP and TOPO in n-dodecane is studied