ORGANOPHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS, OTHER THAN TBP, FOR PROCESSING OF IRRADIATED FUELS AND BY-PRODUCTS

A brief general discussion is given of the nomenclature and types of organophosphorus compounds that could be useful for aqueous processing of irradiated fuels and byproduct isotopes. Comments are made on the use of compounds that might give substantial process gains even though the compounds may not be readily available. Application of alternative extractant-diluent systems is examined for simultaneous recovery of U and Pu (Purex), simuitaneous recovery of U/sup 233/ and Th (Thorex), and recovery of U alone (enriched uranium or 25''). Recovery of by-product elements such as Pm, Am, and Cm is discussed with particular emphasis on the possible use of bifunctional organophosphorus extractants. A discussion is given of a number of speciflc types of compounds that are of interest to future investigations. These compounds are chosen on the basis of unusual structure, possible effects on synergistic relationships, interesting theoretical possibilities, and practical potential. A brief discussion is given of the powerful synthetic techniques developed over the last few years that make such a wide range of compounds potentially available for study. (auth)