Synthesis and characterization of N,N,N ',N '-tetrabutylsuccinamide as extractant for uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) ions from nitric acid solution

Synthesis and characterization of N,N,N',N'-tetrabutylsuccinamide (TBSA) wa s carried out and used for the extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) from nitric a cid solutions. Toluene was found to be the most suitable diluent for TBSA c ompared with the other diluents tested. Extraction distribution ratios (D) of U(VI) and Th(IV) have been studied as a function of aqueous HNO3 concent rations, NO3- ion concentration, TBSA concentration and temperature. The re sults obtained indicated that U(VI) and Th(IV) are mainly extracted as UO2( NO3)(2). 2TBSA and Th(NO3)(4). TBSA, respectively, and the IR spectra of th e extracted species have been investigated. The values of thermodynamic fun ctions have been calculated. Back-extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) from organ ic phases was also studied.