Liquid–liquid extraction of trivalent americium from carbonate and carbonate–peroxide aqueous solutions by methyltrioctylammonium carbonate in toluene

Liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) of microamounts of americium(III) from Na 2 CO 3 and Na 2 CO 3 –H 2 O 2 aqueous solution using methyltrioctylammonium (MTOA) carbonate in toluene has been studied. The distribution ratio of americium(III) into the organic phase can reach values of > 200 from aqueous phases of dilute Na 2 CO 3 and H 2 O 2 . With an increase in concentration of Na 2 CO 3 and H 2 O 2 the value of distribution ratio of americium(III) decreases. The stoichiometry of the extracted species of americium(III) was determined on the basis of the slope analysis method. The extracted species are R 4 N[Am(CO 3 ) 2 ] and (R 4 N) 3 [Am(CO 3 ) 3 ], where R 4 N is MTOA.