EXTRACTION OF Am FROM NITRIC ACID BY CARBAMOYL-PHOSPHORYL EXTRACTANTS: THE INFLUENCE OF SUBSTITUENTS ON THE SELECTIVITY OF Am OVER Fe AND SELECTED FISSION PRODUCTS

Abstract
A number of neutral extractants containing the P(0)(CH2)nC(0)N raolety were evaluated for their ability to extract Am from nitric acid and their selectivity for Am over Fe and selected fission products. Extractants containing alkoxy, alkyl, and aryl substltuents were evaluated. Tetrachloroethylene was used as a diluent. Fission products selected for study were Y, Zr, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sra, and Eu. The conclusions drawn were that the most efficient and selective Am extractant contains a single carbon bridging group, one or two phenyl groups attached to the phosphorus atom and l9obutyl groups attached to the amide nitrogen.