Selective Extraction of Thorium(IV) from Uranium and Rare Earth Elements Using Tetraphenylethane-1,2-diylbis(phosphoramidate)

Tetraphenylethane-1,2-diylbis(phosphoramidate) in conjugation with a room temperature ionic liquid in chloroform medium is reported for the first time in the liquid-liquid extraction of thorium (Th). The extracted Th(IV) is collected as a white solid in the organic medium, thereby facilitating its easy separation. A high distribution ratio (D) of (12.4 ± 0.1) × 103 in 2-8 mol L-1 acidity range and high decontamination factors (α) of Th(IV) from uranium, lanthanides, and a number of transition elements makes this extraction process versatile and selective. A number of experimental investigations in synergism with extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) studies are interpreted to confirm the structure of the chelated complex. A 1:2 metal/ligand complex in which the two oxygen and two nitrogen atoms of each bis(phosphoramidate) molecule satisfying the eight coordination sites of Th(IV) is found to be formed. The extracted white solid thorium complex is easily converted to ThO2 after washing and heating at 1300 °C under O2 atmosphere. This work is expected to find direct application in the thorium fuel cycle, especially in the mining process of thorium from its ores and in the separation of fissile 233U from fertile 232Th in irradiated fuel.