New route to amide-functionalized N-donor ligands enables improved selective solvent extraction of trivalent actinides. Issue 76 (5th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bulmer, Rachel; Spencer, Thomas B.; Wilden, Andreas; Modolo, Giuseppe; Vu, Trong-Hung; Simonin, Jean-Pierre; Lewis, Frank W.
• Is Part Of: Chemical communications. Volume 58:Issue 76(2022)
• Page Start: 10667
• Page End: 10670
• Publication Date: 2022-09-05
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1039/d2cc03876e
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-7345

Abstract

Abstract : Functionalization of the camphor backbone leads to N-donor ligands for nuclear reprocessing with improved extraction properties. Abstract : A new general synthetic route to selective actinide extracting ligands for spent nuclear fuel reprocessing has been established. The amide-functionalized ligands separate Am(iii ) and Cm(iii ) from the lanthanides with high selectivities and show rapid rates of metal extraction. The ligands retain the advantages of the analogous unfunctionalized ligands derived from camphorquinone, whilst also negating their main drawback; precipitate formation when in contact with nitric acid. These studies could enable the design of improved solvent extraction processes for closing the nuclear fuel cycle.