SYNTHESIS OF DIPHOSPHINE DIOXIDES FOR EXTRACTION OF ACTINIDES USING SUPPORTED LIQUID MEMBRANES TECHNOLOGY

A recurrent method for synthesis of diphosphine dioxides to be used fo r extraction of actinides from acidic aqueous solution is described. S elective phosphonium salt formation and cleavage permits the stepwise introduction of different bridges between the phosphorus atoms as well as various chains on them. The influence of the structural parameters on liquid-liquid extraction properties of plutonium, neptunium, and a mericium is studied. Plutonium and neptunium can be efficiently remove d from radioactive contaminated liquid wastes, using the supported liq uid membranes technology with the more lipophilic organophosphorus ext ractants. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.