On-line Gas Chromatography of Mo, W and U (Oxy)chlorides

Abstract

Group 6 elements are known to form volatile chlorides and oxychlorides. These compounds are therefore suited for separations with the On-Line Gaschemistry Apparatus OLGA, a device which is able to isolate volatile species at a maximum temperature of 500°C. OLGA has previously been used to study the group 4 and 5 halides. In preparation of experiments with element 106 (Sg = seaborgium), a member of group 6, first, a literature survey on the thermochemical properties of chlorides and oxychlorides of Mo and W as well as of the pseudo-group 6 element U was made. Second, OLGA experiments were performed with short-lived isotopes of Mo, W and U, using Cl2, saturated with SOCl2 for chlorination, and different partial pressures of 02. Under such conditions, these elements formed species, which were volatile in quartz chromatography columns at temperatures < 250°C.