The influence of diluent on extraction behavior of uranium with N-octanoylpyrrolidine

Extraction of uranium (Ⅵ) from nitric acid solutions with N-octanoylpyrrolidine (OPOD) in a series of diluents has been studied. The dependence of the extraction distribution ratios on the concentrations of aqueous nitric acid, extractant, salting-out agent and the temperature was investigated. The experimental results showed that the extracting capacity of OPOD in different diluents increases in the order: chloroform, CCl 4, 1,2-dichloroethane, n-dodecane, n-octane, c-hexane, toluene and benzene. It can not be expounded only on the basis of polarity of the diluents. The interaction between extractant or extracted complex and diluent was discussed.