Patent ID: 6312653
Filing Date: 2001-11-06
Classification: C22B,G21F,Y02P

Abstract:
A process for separating at least one metal M1 selected from the group consisting of actinides and lanthanides from at least one other metal M2 selected from the group consisting of actinides and lanides from an aqueous solution containing M1 and M2, comprising:(a) contacting said aqueous solution containing M1 and M2 with an organic liquid phase comprising(i) at least one caliene of the formula: ##STR5##whereinR.sup.1 and R.sup.2, which can be the same or different, are alkyl or o-nitophenoxyalkyl groups, andR.sup.3 and R.sup.4, which can be the same or different, are aryl groups; and(ii) an organic diluent selected from tho group consisting of the heavy alcohols and chlorinated solvents,wherein said organic diluent and the calixarene concentration are such that the distribution coefficient of the metal(s) M1 between said organic liquid phase and said aqueous solution is greater than 1 and the distribution coefficient of the metal(s) M2 between said organic liquid phase and said aqueous solution is less than 1; and(b) separating said aqueous solution from said organic liquid phase.