Gamma Radiolysis of the Highly Selective Ligands CyMe4BTBP and CyMe4BTPhen: Qualitative and Quantitative Investigation of Radiolysis Products

The highly selective nitrogen donor ligands CyMe4BTBP and CyMe4BTPhen where γ-irradiated under identical experimental conditions in 1-octanol with and without contact to nitric acid solution. Subsequently, solvent extraction experiments were carried out to evaluate the stability of the extractants against γ-radiation monitoring Am(III) and Eu(III) distribution ratios. Generally, decreasing distribution ratios with increasing absorbed dose were detected for both molecules. Furthermore, qualitative mass spectrometric analyses were performed and ligand concentrations were determined by HPLC-DAD after irradiation to investigate the radiolysis mechanism. An exponential decrease with increasing absorbed dose was observed for both ligands with a faster rate for CyMe4BTPhen. Main radiolysis products indicated the addition of one or more diluent molecules (1-octanol) to the ligand via prior production of α-hydroxyoctyl radicals from diluent radiolysis. The addition of nitric acid during the irradiation lead to a remarkable stabilization of the system, as the extraction of Am(III) and Eu(III) did not change significantly over the whole examined dose range. Quantification of the remaining ligand concentration on the other hand showed decreasing concentrations with increasing absorbed dose. The stabilization of D values is therefore explained by the formation of 1-octanol addition products which are also able to extract the studied metal ions.