SYNERGISTIC EXTRACTION OF URANIUM(VI) BY MIXTURES OF METHYLTRIOCTYL AMMONIUM-CHLORIDE AND VARIOUS DONORS FROM HYDROCHLORIC-ACID SOLUTION

Extraction of uranium(VI) by methyltrioctyl ammonium chloride (MTOAC) is quantitative above approximately 2 MHCl. Synergistic effect is observed when the extraction is carried out with a mixture of MTOAC and triisodecylamine (Alamine 310)/tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP)/di-n-pentyl sulphoxide (DPSO). The presence of Cl- or SCN- ions makes the extraction quantitative even at very low acidity (approximately 0.1 M). Extraction with a mixture of MTOAC and bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) dithiophosphinic acid (Cyanex 301) is quantitative in the acidity range 0.8-1 M with marked synergism.