f-Element coordination and extraction selectivity of a carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide ligand based on a tripodal phosphine oxide scaffold

Crystal structure of a tris(2-amino-eth-yl)methane capped carbamoyl-methyl-phosphine oxide compound

The mol-ecular structure of the tripodal carbamoyl-methyl-phosphine oxide compound diethyl {[(5-[2-(di-eth-oxy-phosphor-yl)acetamido]-3-{2-[2-(di-eth-oxy-phos-phor-yl)acetamido]-eth-yl}pent-yl)carbamo-yl]meth-yl}phospho-nate, C25H52N3O12P3, features six intra-molecular hydrogen-bonding inter-actions. The phospho-nate groups have key bond lengths ranging from 1.4696 (12) to 1.4729 (12) Å (P=O), 1.5681 (11) to 1.5811 (12) Å (P-O) and 1.7881 (16) to 1.7936 (16) Å (P-C). Each amide group adopts a nearly perfect trans geometry, and the geometry around each phophorus atom resembles a slightly distorted tetra-hedron.

Selective Liquid-Liquid Extraction of Thorium(IV) from Rare-Earth Element Mixtures

One of the major challenges in processing rare-earth element (REE) materials arises from the large amounts of radioactive thorium (Th) that are often found within REE minerals, encouraging enhanced metal separation procedures. We report here a study aimed at developing improved systems for REE processing with the goal of efficient extraction of Th(IV) from acidic solution. A tripodal ligand, TRPN-CMPO-Ph, was prepared that utilizes carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO) chelators tethered to a tris(3-aminopropyl)amine (TRPN) capping scaffold. The ligand and its metal complexes were characterized by using elemental analysis, NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and luminescence spectroscopy. Using a liquid-liquid metal extraction protocol, TRPN-CMPO-Ph selectively extracts Th(IV) at an efficiency of 79% from a mixture of Th(IV), UO22+, and all rare-earth metal cations (except promethium) dissolved in nitric acid into an organic solvent. Th(IV) extraction selectivity is maintained upon extraction from a mixture that approximates a typical monazite leach solution containing several relevant lanthanide ions, including two ions at higher concentration relative to Th(IV). Comparative studies with a tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TREN)-capped derivative are presented and support the need for a larger TRPN capping scaffold in achieving Th(IV) extraction selectivity.

Two Beta-Phosphorylamide Compounds as Ligands for Sm3+, Eu3+, and Tb3+: X-ray Crystallography and Luminescence Properties

This paper describes the synthesis of two beta-phosphorylamide ligands and their coordination chemistry with the Ln ions Tb³⁺, Eu³⁺, and Sm³⁺. Both the ligands and Ln complexes were characterized by IR, NMR, MS, and X-ray crystallography. The luminescence properties of the Tb³⁺ and Eu³⁺ complexes were also characterized, including the acquisition of lifetime decay curves. In the solid state, the Tb³⁺ and Sm³⁺ ligand complexes were found to have a 2:2 stoichiometry when analyzed by X-ray diffraction. In these structures, the Ln ion was bound by both oxygen atoms of each beta-phosphorylamide moiety of the ligands. The Tb³⁺ and Eu³⁺ complexes were modestly emissive as solutions in acetonitrile, with lifetime values that fell within typical ranges.

Supramolecular ligands for the extraction of lanthanide and actinide ions

A selection of supramolecular ligands designed to extract f-elements.

Lanthanide extraction selectivity of a tripodal carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide ligand system

Lanthanide extraction selectivity is attained by variation of the ligand structure and extraction conditions for a series of CMPO-based ligands.

Ligands for f-element extraction used in the nuclear fuel cycle

This review describes the latest advances regarding the development, modification and application of suitable ligands for the liquid–liquid extraction of actinides and lanthanides from nuclear waste.