Hydroxamic acids actinides

Hydroxamates have been observed in the water in the Bay of Quinte, a eutrophic bay of Lake Ontario, and are believed to be produced by blue-green algae (76). Simpson and Neilands (77) have identified schizokinen, a hydroxamic acid derivative of citric acid as an extracellular product of the blue-green algae, Anabaena sp. However, not all Anabaena produce hydroxamates, Walsby (78) has shown that Anabaena cylindrica releases a large pigmented, peptide-containing material which complexes iron. As yet these peptides have not been examined for ability to complex the actinides. 

TBP is a sufficiently powerful extractant for actinides that it may be used in diluted form. Dilution improves the hydrodynamic properties of the solvent, allowing more complete and rapid phase disengagement. Typically concentrations of 20-30 v/o TBP in OK are used in process flowsheets. Although TBP is relatively stable as an extractant, radiolysis does lead to the formation of some acidic phosphate esters, HDBP and H2MBP, which can impair process performance.289 An aqueous alkali wash of the recycled solvent is usually carried out to remove those by products. Radiolytic degradation of the diluent in the presence of nitric acid can result in the formation of hydroxamic acids,290 which can lead to fission product retention by the organic phase. Again the solvent wash is used to prevent the accumulation of such species. A comprehensive account of the industrial utilization of TBP has recently been published.291... 

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