Extraction of uranium from sulfuric acid media using amino-diamide extractants

Two extractants, N,N′-((octylazanediyl)bis(ethane-2,1-diyl))dioctanamide (LI) and N,N′-((octylazanediyl)bis(ethane-2,1-diyl))di-2-methylheptanamide (LII), have been synthesised in two steps starting from diethylenetriamine involving a peptide coupling step. The efficiency selectivity of the extractants dodecane/octanol (95/5 v/v) toward extraction uranium sulfate media investigated showing that sulfuric acid is more efficient at low H2SO4 concentrations. Slope analysis method revealed 2:1 extractant/metal ratio, which accordance with NMR titration as well DFT calculations. are found to be selective over competitive cations present simulated leach solution. Finally, stripping step has performed given rise successful quantitative recovery uranium.