An Investigation into the Extraction of Americium(III), Lanthanides and D‐Block Metals by 6,6′‐Bis‐(5,6‐dipentyl‐[1,2,4]triazin‐3‐yl)‐[2,2′]bipyridinyl (C₅‐BTBP)

Abstract

Abstract The tetradentate ligand (C5‐BTBP) was able to extract americium(III) selectively from nitric acid. In octanol/kerosene the distribution ratios suggest that stripping will be possible. C5‐BTBP has unusual properties and potentially offers a means of separating metals, which otherwise are difficult to separate. For example C5‐BTBP has the potential to separate palladium(II) from a mixture containing rhodium(III) and ruthenium(II) nitrosyl. In addition, C5‐BTBP has the potential to remove traces of cadmium from effluent or from solutions of other metals contaminated with cadmium. C5‐BTBP has potential as a reagent for the separation of americium(III) from solutions contaminated with iron(III) and nickel(II), hence offering a means of concentrating americium(III) for analytical purposes from nitric acid solutions containing high concentrations of iron(III) or nickel(II).