Hydroxamic acids radiolytic degradation

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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