Hydroxypyridinone Extraction Agents for Pu(IV)

Abstract

Abstract Twelve different extraction agents, based on the hydroxypyridinone (HOPO) chelating moieties 3,2‐HOPO, 3,4‐HOPO, and 1,2‐HOPO, have been synthesized and characterized for their ability to remove Pu(IV) from nitric acid solutions. Most of these, in particular those based on 1,2‐HOPO, displayed very rapid extraction kinetics and extracted Pu(IV) with large distribution ratios. They were also highly effective in removing Pu(IV) from solutions containing high concentrations of Fe(III) or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Stripping the bound Pu(IV) from the chelate complex proved challenging, as only ∼40% was removed even with concentrated (15.8 M) nitric acid.