Dimerization of 2-Ethylhexylphosphonic Acid Mono-2-ethylhexyl Ester (HEH[EHP]) as Determined by NMR Spectrometry

ABSTRACT

The aggregation state of extractant molecules is an important consideration in characterizing or modeling solvent extraction systems used in hydrometallurgy. For example, previously reported efforts to measure organic-phase dimerization constants have required the presence of an additional phase, either aqueous phase or gas phase. NMR spectroscopy can be used to probe organic-phase inter-molecular interactions without requiring the presence of an additional phase, making it possible to study the simplest organic system, that contain only extractant and diluent. In this report, the dimerization of 2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexl ester (HEH[EHP]) in n-dodecane and in toluene was investigated by two different NMR-based methods: chemical shifts and Diffusion Ordered SpectroscopY (DOSY). The chemical-shift analysis requires monitoring the chemical shift of the acidic proton as the concentration of HEH[EHP] changes. DOSY is a 2D NMR technique used to probe the size of molecules. The size of diffusing species was related back to the average aggregate molecular weight via a calibration curve. Because the DOSY method had not been used in this manner before, a validation of the method using the interaction constant between HDEHP and CMPO was performed. After this validation, DOSY was applied to HEH[EHP] dimerization. DOSY results demonstrated that the chemical shift of the acidic proton was the peak most affected by the dimerization state of the HEH[EHP]. All other peaks, including that of ³¹P, were affected more significantly by the changing dielectric constant of the solution. The dimerization constants determined were significantly lower than those reported in prior literature, possibly due to the effect of water in the literature values.     

Interactions between Extractant Molecules: Organic-Phase Thermodynamics of TALSPEAK–MME

To reduce the cost and complexity of separations for closed nuclear fuel cycles, solvent extraction processes based on combined solvating and cation exchange extractants are being considered. One such process, Trivalent Actinide Lanthanide Separations using Phosphorus Extractants and Aqueous Komplexes–Mixed Monofunctional Extractants (TALSPEAK–MME), that combines the neutral extractant Cyanex-923 and cation exchanging extractant 2-ethyl(hexyl)phosphonic acid mono-2-ethyl(hexyl) ester (HEH[EHP]) has shown considerable promise. However, little knowledge of the underlying chemistry of this process has been reported. In this report, ³¹P NMR and FT-IR spectroscopies have been used to investigate organic-phase extractant interactions. A 1:1 adduct between Cyanex-923 and HEH[EHP] has been identified. The equilibrium constant describing the formation of this adduct (log K) has been determined to be between 2.04 and 2.21, signifying relatively weak interactions between the extractants. In parallel, it has been determined that the presence of this adduct does not change the nitric acid extraction mechanism observed by Cyanex-923; its presence merely reduces the free concentration of Cyanex-923 available to extract nitric acid thus slightly reducing the total acid partitioned to the organic phase. These findings were used to calculate an extractant speciation diagram for TALSPEAK–MME, the results of which were used to improve understanding of the metal ion extraction behavior observed in this system.     

Advanced TALSPEAK Separations Using a Malonate Buffer System

The extraction behavior of lanthanides and americium has been evaluated under Advanced TALSPEAK (Trivalent Actinide Lanthanide Separation by Phosphorus-reagent Extraction from Aqueous Komplexes) conditions using malonic acid as the aqueous buffering agent. The extractant 2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (HEH[EHP]) was used as an organic phase liquid cation exchanger in n-dodecane diluent, while N-(hydroxyethyl)-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA) served as a selective aqueous holdback reagent. Extractions conducted from malonate media exhibit a pH profile that flattens as the concentration of malonate is increased up to 1.0 M malonate. This relatively flat extraction behavior from pH 2.5–4.0 is reminiscent of previous studies on Advanced TALSPEAK in lactate media. The extraction kinetics with other carboxylic acid buffers as well as the effects of varying HEDTA, HEH[EHP], and malonate concentration are compared.     

Extraction of vanadium(V) from sulfate solutions by ACORGA M5640

ACORGA M5640 (hydroxy‐oxime derivative) has been applied as an extraction reagent for vanadium(V) from sulfate media. The extraction system was studied as a function of contact time, temperature, aqueous pH, diluent of the organic phase, and metal and extractant concentrations. The extraction reaction is endothermic and it is dependent on the organic diluent, aqueous pH and extractant concentration. The data have been analysed numerically to determine the stoichiometry of extracted species and their equilibrium constants. It was found that vanadium was extracted into the organic phase by a complex mechanism which involves the formation of two species (VO₂R and VO₂R. HR, where R represents the extractant). Vanadium stripping by acidic and ammonium hydroxide solutions was also studied. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Extraction of molybdenum(VI) from sulfate solutions by LIX 622

The application of LIX 622 (oxime derivative) as an extraction reagent of molybdenum (VI) from sulfate media was studied. The extraction system was studied as a function of contact time, temperature, aqueous pH, diluent of the organic phase and metal and extractant concentrations. The extraction is exothermic and it is dependent on the organic diluent, aqueous pH and reagent concentration. The data have been analysed numerically to determine the stoichiometry of extracted species and their equilibrium constants. It was found that molybdenum was extracted into the organic phase by a complex mechanism which involves the formation of three species (MoO₂L₂, MoO₄H₃HL⁺HSO₄⁻ and MoO₄H₂HL, where L represents the extractant). Molybdenum stripping by acidic and ammonium hydroxide solutions was also studied. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Extraction Equilibria of Butyric Acid with Organic Solvents

Abstract

Fourteen solvents (five with a tertiary amine and different diluents, four C8-C18 alcohols, dibutylether, two hydrocarbons, and two vegetable oils) have been tested for the extraction of butyric acid. The highest distribution coefficient for butyric acid is shown by solvents with tertiary amines. A ternary solvent with amine extractant, n-alkanes as diluent, and higher alcohol as modifier can be advantageous in this procedure. Amines enable the extraction of acid at a pH above the pK _a value up to about pH 5.6. With an increase of the molecular weight of alcohol, the value of the distribution coefficient decreases. Its value for pure alcohols is independent of the concentration of acid in the aqueous phase. Equilibrium data suggest that the stoichiometry of the acid-alcohol complex is 2:1, and only undissociated acid is extracted.     

Solvent extraction of silver by LIX® 79: experimental equilibrium study

The extraction of silver(I) from argentocyanide aqueous cyanide solutions using LIX^® 79 has been studied. Different variables that could affect the extraction system were evaluated: equilibration time, aqueous pH, metal and extractant concentrations, and organic phase diluent. The extraction of the Ag(CN)₂^? complex with respect to other metal‐cyano complexes has also been studied on both synthetic and real leach solutions. Experimental data relating to silver have been analysed numerically to determine the stoichiometry of the extracted species and its equilibrium constant. It was found that silver(I) was extracted into the organic phase by the formation of the species RHAg(CN)₂ (LIX 79 = R). Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Distribution Studies of Zinc and Copper Salicylates with Tris(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate

Abstract

Tris(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate is proposed as an extractant for the solvent extraction of zinc and copper salicylate. The optimum extraction conditions are established by studying the various experimental parameters such as pH, sodium salicylate concentration, tris(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate concentration, equilibration period, and various diluents. The probable extracted species as ascertained by log D-log C plots is Zn(HSal)₂2T2EHP and Cu(HSal)₂2T2EHP. The method permits mutual separation of zinc and copper and can be used for separation and determination of zinc and copper in environmental and pharmaceutical samples.     

Effect of HEH[EHP] impurities on the ALSEP solvent extraction process

In solvent extraction processes, organic phase impurities can negatively impact separation factors, hydrolytic performance, and overall system robustness. The resulting inconsistent performance can affect the process-level viability of a separation concept, and thus knowledge of the impurities present, their effects on the process, and how to remove them are vital. Deleterious impurities may be introduced into a system from reagent synthesis, or result from degradation via radiolysis and hydrolysis during use. In this work, the acidic extractant, 2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (HEH[EHP])—proposed for application in extractive processes aimed at separating trivalent minor actinides from lanthanides and other fission products—is characterized with respect to its common impurities and their impact on Am(III) stripping in the Actinide Lanthanide SEParation (ALSEP) system. To control impurities in HEH[EHP], existing purification technologies commonly applied for the acidic organophosphorus reagent were assessed and a new chromatographic purification method specific to HEH[EHP] is presented.     

Solvent Extraction Separation of Trivalent Americium from Curium and the Lanthanides

The sterically constrained, macrocyclic, aqueous soluble ligand N,N′-bis[(6-carboxy-2-pyridyl)methyl]-1,10-diaza-18-crown-6 (H₂BP18C6) was investigated for separating americium from curium and all the lanthanides by solvent extraction. Pairing H₂BP18C6, which favors complexation of larger f-element cations, with acidic organophosphorus extractants that favor extraction of smaller f-element cations, such as bis-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) or (2-ethylhexyl)phosphonic acid mono(2-ethylhexyl) ester (HEH[EHP]), created solvent extraction systems with good Cm/Am selectivity, excellent trans-lanthanide selectivity (K_ex,Lu/K_ex,La = 10⁸), but poor selectivity for Am against the lightest lanthanides. However, using an organic phase containing both a neutral extractant, N,N,N’,N’-tetra(2-ethylhexyl)diglycolamide (TEHDGA), and HEH[EHP] enabled rejection of the lightest lanthanides during loading of the organic phase from aqueous nitric acid, eliminating their interference in the americium stripping stages. In addition, although it is a macrocyclic ligand, H₂BP18C6 does not significantly impede the mass transfer kinetics of the HDEHP solvent extraction system.     

Extraction of U(VI), Th(IV), and Lanthanides(III) from Nitric Acid Solutions with CMPO-Functionalized Ionic Liquid in Molecular Diluents

The extraction of microquantities of U(VI), Th(IV), and lanthanides(III) from nitric acid solutions with CMPO-functionalized ionic liquid 1-[3[[(diphenylphosphinyl)acetyl]amino]propyl]-3-tetradecyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium hexafluorophosphate, CMPO-FIL(I) in molecular organic diluents has been studied. The effect of HNO₃ concentration in the aqueous phase and that of extractant concentration in the organic phase on the extraction of metal ions is considered. The stoichiometry of the extracted complexes was determined. CMPO-FIL(I) demonstrates greater extraction ability towards Ln(III) than its neutral CMPO analog, diphenylphosphorylacetic acid N-nonylamide. This inner synergistic effect increases with a decreasing organic diluent polarity. The partition of CMPO-FIL(I) between the equilibrium organic and aqueous phases is the dominant factor governing the extractability of Ln(III) ions in the extraction system.     

Liquid-Liquid Extraction Studies of Trivalent Yttrium from Phosphoric Acid Solutions Using TOPS 99 as an Extractant

Liquid-liquid extraction studies of trivalent yttrium (Y) from phosphoric acid solutions have been carried out with commercial organophosphoric acid based extractant TOPS 99 (Talcher Organo phosphorus solvent, an equivalent of di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid). The parameters studied include equilibration time, acid concentration, extractant concentration, diluent, metal concentration, temperature, stripping, and regeneration of the extractant. Increase of phosphoric acid concentration in the range from 0.01 to 0.5 M on the extraction of trivalent Y with 6 × 10^?3 M TOPS 99 (Talcher Organo phosphorus solvent) decreases the percentage extraction, indicating the transfer of metal follows ion exchange type reaction. The plot of log D vs. equilibrium pH gave a straight line with a slope of 3.1 indicating the exchange of three moles of hydrogen ions for every mole of trivalent Y extracted into the organic phase. Stripping of metal from the loaded organic with mineral acids indicate sulphuric acid as the best stripping agent. The extraction behavior of associated elements clearly follows their ionic radii with a maximum separation factor of 414 for Lu-Tb.     

Cooperative effect of 2-(dibutylcarbamoyl)benzoic acid and 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone for the synergistic extraction of lanthanide ions

2-(Dibutylcarbamoyl)benzoic acid (HL) has been examined for the extraction-separation of La³⁺, Eu³⁺ and Er³⁺ from aqueous chloride solutions into organic diluents; dichloromethane, ethylacetate and carbon tetrachloride. The efficiency and the selectivity of the extraction process were significantly affected by the organic diluent. The application of a mixture of HL and 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone (HTTA) showed a synergistic effect on the extraction of the studied lanthanides. The extracted species was found to be as ML₃(HTTA) complexes (M is La³⁺, Eu³⁺ and Er³⁺). The proposed method was applied for the extraction of lanthanides from simulated leach solution of spent Ni-MH batteries.     

Combining CMPO and HEH[EHP] for Separating Trivalent Lanthanides from the Transuranic Elements

Combining octyl(phenyl)-N,N-diisobutyl-carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO) and 2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (HEH[EHP]) into a single process solvent for separating transuranic elements from liquid high-level waste is explored. The lanthanides and americium can be co-extracted from HNO₃ into 0.2 mol/L CMPO + 1.0 mol/L HEH[EHP] in n-dodecane. The extraction is relatively insensitive to the HNO₃ concentration within 0.1–5 mol/L HNO₃. Americium can be selectively stripped from the CMPO/HEH[EHP] solvent into a citrate-buffered N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediaminetriacetic acid solution. Separation factors >14 can be achieved in the range pH 2.5–3.7, and the separation factors are relatively insensitive to pH—a major advantage of this solvent formulation.     

SOLVENT EXTRACTION OF SILVER BY CYANEX 272, CYANEX 302 AND CYANEX 30

ABSTRACT

The solvent extraction of silver from nitrate media by the extractants Cyanex 272 (bis)2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid), Cyanex 302 ( bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)thiophosphinic acid) and Cyanex 301 ( bis( 2,4,4-trimethyl-pentyl)dithiophosphinic acid) is characterized. Extraction shifts to lower pH with increasing sulfur substitution in the phosphinic acid, in accordance with the increased extractant acidity imparted by the soft nature of the sulfur donor atoms. The effects of extractant concentration, aqueous-phase ionic strength and organic-phase diluent on the extraction behavior are examined. The stoichiometry of the extraction reactions and the geometry of the extracted complexes are postulated based on slope analysis and spectroscopic measurements. All three extractants behave as bidentate ligands and combine in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio with silver. The sulfur-containing ligands form multi-nuclear oligomeric complexes in which the ligands bridge between metal centers.     

An Advanced TALSPEAK Concept Using 2-Ethylhexylphosphonic Acid Mono-2-Ethylhexyl Ester as the Extractant

A method for separating the trivalent actinides and lanthanides is being developed using 2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (HEH[EHP]) as the extractant. The method is based on the preferential binding of the actinides in the aqueous phase by N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine-N,N’,N’-triacetic acid (HEDTA), which serves to keep the actinides in the aqueous phase while the lanthanides are extracted into an organic phase containing HEH[EHP]. The process is very robust, showing little dependence upon the pH or the HEH[EHP], HEDTA, and citrate concentrations over the ranges that might be expected in a nuclear fuel recycling plant. Single-stage runs with a 2-cm centrifugal contactor indicate that modifications to the process chemistry may be needed to increase the extraction rate for Sm, Eu, and Gd. The hydraulic properties of the system are favorable to application in centrifugal contactors.     

THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON THE SYNERGISTIC EXTRACTION OF THORIUM( IV) AND URANIUM( VI) BY 2-ETHYLHEXYL PHENYLPHOSPHONIC ACID AND MICELLES OF DINONYL NAPHTHALENE SULPHONIC ACID

ABSTRACT

The influence of temperature in the range 15 to 75° C on the extraction of thorium( IV) and uranium( VI) from nitric acid solutions into ligroine solutions of 2-ethylhexyl phenylphosphonic acid ( HEHφ P) micellar dinonyl naphthalene sulphonic acid ( HDNNS) extractants and mixture of the two extractants is reported. From the variation of the distribution ratio with temperature, the enthalpy changes associated with the extraction were determined, and an attempt was made to estimate the free energy and entropy changes associated with the extraction process. The results indicate that the extraction of thorium is favored by both entropy change and enthalpy change when the solvent is HEHφ P and the mixture of HEHOP and HDNNS, but entropy controlled when HDNNS is the extractant. On the other hand, the extraction of uranium by HEHφ P is enthalpy controlled but favored by entropy change when the solvent is HDNNS or a mixture of the two ligands. Temperature did not affect the extraction stoichiometry.     

Quantitative Analysis of Cs Extraction by Some Dialkoxycalix[4]Arene-Crown-6 Extractants

Cesium extraction from acidic media by seven dialkoxy-calix[4]arene-crown-6 compounds in several diluents was studied. 2-Nonanone was found to be a suitable diluent for cesium extraction. Nitric acid concentration variation reveals a maximum distribution ratio, whose position depends on extractant and diluent. This maximum was explained quantitatively by a competitive extraction of H⁺. An analytical mass-action extraction model accounting for activity effects is proposed that fits correctly the different datasets. The analysis showed a nitrate hyper-stoichiometry in alkyl ketone diluents. This effect yields efficient back-extraction at low acidity. Benzo substitution on the crown ether lowers nitric acid extraction, improves sodium separation, but also degrades potassium and rubidium separation.     

The adjustable synergistic effects between acid–base coupling bifunctional ionic liquid extractants for rare earth separation

Two of the most widely used industrial extractants for rare earth elements (REEs), that is, di(2‐ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) and 2‐ethyl(hexyl) phosphonic acid mono‐2‐ethylhexyl ester (HEH[EHP]) were developed into [DEHP]^? type acid–base coupling bifunctionalized ionic liquids (ABC‐BILs) and [EHEHP]^? type ABC‐BILs, respectively. The combinations of ABC‐BIL extractants revealed synergistic effects for REEs. Seven different combinations of ABC‐BILs and five kinds of REEs confirmed the novel synergistic extraction. Some synergy coefficients of the combined ABC‐BILs were bigger than those of mixed HDEHP and HEH[EHP] by two orders of magnitude. The first synergistic extraction produced by ionic liquid extractants in the field of solvent extraction was reported in this article. The novel synergistic extraction from combined ABC‐BILs extractants revealed highly efficient and environmentally friendly potential in both of academic research and industrial application for REEs separation. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 3859–3868, 2014     

Solid‐Liquid Extraction of Lanthanum(III), Europium(III), and Lutetium(III) by Acyl‐Hydroxypyrazoles Entrapped in Mesostructured Silica

Abstract

The solid‐liquid extraction of lanthanum(III), europium(III), and lutetium(III) by mesostructured silicas doped with 1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐stearoyl‐5‐pyrazolone (HPMSP, bearing one chelating site) or with 1,12‐bis(1′‐phenyl‐3′‐methyl‐5′‐hydroxy‐4′‐pyrazolyl)‐dodecane‐1,12‐dione (HL‐10‐LH, bearing two chelating sites) has been studied and compared to the analogous solvent and micellar extractions in terms of the stoichiometry of the extracted complex and of the extraction efficiency. The solid‐liquid extraction order in the lanthanoid series is La<Eu<Lu; it is the usual liquid‐liquid extraction order obtained with acidic extractants. A theoretical model is used to determine the stoichiometries of the extracted complexes and the extraction yield is measured as a function of the pH, of the extractant/metal ratio (S/M) and of the volume ratio of the two phases (φ). For HPMSP, the extracted complexes involve three ligand molecules for one metal. For HL‐10‐LH, the complex stoichiometries are found to be either Ln(L‐10‐L)(L‐10‐LH) (Ln=La, Eu) or Lu₂(L‐10‐L)₃ for S/M=25, or Eu₂(L‐10‐L)₃ for S/M=5. For the first time, the synergistic solid‐liquid extraction is studied after a successful attempt at simultaneously immobilizing both extractants HL‐10‐LH and 2,4,6‐tri(2‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine, “TPTZ”, into silica; the complex extracted in this case differs from the one obtained in solvent extraction.