Efficient UO22+ extraction by DAPhens with asymmetric terminal groups: The molecular design, spectral titration, liquid-liquid extraction and mechanism study

Four asymmetric alkyl-substituted DAPhens (N,N’-Dimethyl-N,N’-Dialkyl-2,9-Diamide-1,10-Phenanthrolines) were synthesized and investigated as selective ligands for UO22+. The results confirm that the ligands have higher affinity for uranyl comparing to the symmetric analogues with the same 1,10-phenanthroline core moiety. The slope analysis indicated the formation of 1:1 (metal/ligand) extracting complex, which was identified in the organic phase...