Solvent Extraction Separation of Some Actinides and Lanthanides with 2-Thenoyltifluoroacetone

Solvent extraction behavior of Th(IV) and U(VI) and some lanthanides [Ce(III), Nd(III), Eu(III), Tb(III), and Yb(III)] from thiocyanate medium into sulfoxides and/or 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone has been studied. The actinides are found to be favorably extracted by both the extractants. The alkyl sulfoxides extract Th(IV) and U(VI) as Th(SCN)4·3DPSO, Th(SCN)4·3DOSO, UO2 (SCN)2·2DPSO, and UO2(SCN)2·3DOSO. The chelate extracts the metals in the following order: U(VI) < Th(IV) < Eu(IV) < Tb(III) < Tb(III) < Ce (III) or Nd(III).