ABSTRACT
One of the major challenges in processing rare-earth element (REE) materials arises from the large amounts of radioactive thorium (Th) that are often found within REE minerals, encouraging enhanced metal separation procedures. We report here a study aimed at developing improved systems for REE processing with the goal of efficient extraction of Th(IV) from acidic solution. A tripodal ligand, TRPN-CMPO-Ph, was prepared that utilizes carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO) chelators tethered to a tris(3-aminopropyl)amine (TRPN) capping scaffold. The ligand and its metal complexes were characterized by using elemental analysis, NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and luminescence spectroscopy. Using a liquid-liquid metal extraction protocol, TRPN-CMPO-Ph selectively extracts Th(IV) at an efficiency of 79% from a mixture of Th(IV), UO22+, and all rare-earth metal cations (except promethium) dissolved in nitric acid into an organic solvent. Th(IV) extraction selectivity is maintained upon extraction from a mixture that approximates a typical monazite leach solution containing several relevant lanthanide ions, including two ions at higher concentration relative to Th(IV). Comparative studies with a tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TREN)-capped derivative are presented and support the need for a larger TRPN capping scaffold in achieving Th(IV) extraction selectivity.
ABSTRACT
The title compound, C8H18NO2 +·Br-·C8H17NO2, crystallizes as the bromide salt of a 50:50 mixture of (tri-ethyl-azaniumyl)-carb-oxy-lic acid and the zwitterionic (tri-ethyl-azaniumyl)-carboxyl-ate. The two organic entities are linked by a half-occupied bridging carb-oxy-lic acid hydrogen atom that is hydrogen-bonded to the carboxyl-ate group of the second mol-ecule. The tetra-lkyl-ammonium group adopts a nearly perfect tetra-hedral shape around the nitro-gen atom with bond lengths that agree with known values. The carb-oxy-lic acid/carboxyl-ate group is oriented anti to one of the ethyl groups on the ammonium group, and the carbonyl oxygen atom is engaged in intra-molecular C-Hâ¯O hydrogen bonds.