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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2017

Treatment of Magnesium-Thorium Alloy Used in Military Defence Equipment by Separation of Thorium and/or Thermal Oxidation - 17009

Magnesium-alloys doped with thorium (Th, 3% by weight and with a total activity content in the alloy of 120 Bq/g) to improve mechanical properties has been used in, among other applications, military equipment such as in the jet-engines in military aircraft. The material cannot, due to the presence of the radioactive Th, be handled as an ordinary scrap metal. It needs to be treated to render a more stable waste form prior to final disposal in which the amount of disposed metallic magnesium is limited due to the pyrophoric properties of such type of materials. By thermally treating the material it is possible to transform the alloy into oxide form (MgO and ThO{sub 2}) which is a much more stable form than metallic. This itself enables a form suitable for final disposal of the material. The oxidation step does however lead to an increase in volume and is therefore not an optimal treatment method. It is possible to treat the metal oxide powder in order to get a better volume reduction such as by super compaction but a better result can be obtained by separating the Th from the alloy, leaving a much smaller volume for final disposal. One way of separating the Th from the metal is by dissolution of metallic material in acid followed by directed precipitation of Th as Th-oxalate. Several parameters such as the choice of acid, metal concentration in the acid solution, pH prior to precipitation and amount of added oxalic acid have been investigated. Another method to separate Th from Mg is to perform a selective dissolution of MgO from an MgO/ThO{sub 2} mixture with HNO{sub 3} leaving only ThO{sub 2} as a residue. These tests had to be preceded with an oxidation of the alloy. The tests show that it is possible to separate Th from the metal alloy by either dissolution followed by precipitation or selective dissolution of MgO from an MgO/ThO{sub 2} mixture. This leads to very effective volume reduction of the waste. For the direct dissolution and precipitation tests typically > 95% of the magnesium can be found in the acid solution while 99.5 % of the Th is found as a solid in the filters. For the oxide dissolution tests typically 98% of the Th can be separated from the bulk material, leaving the acid solution possible to free release and dispose of in the same way as for the previous method. (authors)

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Homoleptic Perchlorophenyl “Ate” Complexes of Thorium(IV) and Uranium(IV)

The reaction of AnCl 4 (DME) n (An = Th, n = 2; U, n = 0) with 5 equiv of LiC 6 Cl 5 in Et 2 O resulted in the formation of homoleptic actinide-aryl “ate” complexes [Li(DME) 2 (Et 2 O)] 2 [Li(DME) 2 ][Th(C 6 Cl 5 ) 5 ] 3 ([Li][1]) and [Li(Et 2 O) 4 ][U(C 6 Cl 5 ) 5 ] ([Li][2]). Similarly, the reaction of AnCl 4 (DME)n (An = Th, n = 2; U, n = 0) with 3 equiv of LiC 6 Cl 5 in Et 2 O resulted in the formation of heteroleptic actinide-aryl “ate” complexes [Li(DME) 2 (Et 2 O)][Li(Et 2 O) 2 ][ThCl 3 (C 6 Cl 5 ) 3 ] ([Li][3]) and [Li(Et 2 O) 3 ][UCl 2 (C 6 Cl 5 ) 3 ] ([Li][4]). Density functional calculations show that the An–C ipso σ-bonds are considerably more covalent for the uranium complexes vs the thorium analogues, in line with past results. Additionally, good agreement between experiment and calculations is obtained for the 13 C ipso NMR chemical shifts in [Li][1] and [Li][3]. Here, the calculations demonstrate a deshielding by ca. 29 ppm from spin–orbit coupling effects originating at Th, which is a direct consequence of 5f orbital participation in the Th–C bonds.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Is the bipyridyl thorium metallocene a low-valent thorium complex? A combined experimental and computational study

Bipyridyl thorium metallocenes [5-1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2]2Th(bipy) (1) and [5-1,3-(Me3C)2C5H3]2Th(bipy) (2) have been investigated by magnetic susceptibility and computational studies. The magnetic susceptibility data reveal that 1 and 2 are not diamagnetic, but they behave as temperature independent paramagnets (TIPs). To rationalize this observation, density functional theory (DFT) and complete active space SCF (CASSCF) calculations have been undertaken, which indicated that Cp2Th(bipy) has indeed a Th(IV)(bipy2-) ground state (f0d0 2, S = 0), but the open-shell singlet (f0d1 1, S = 0) (almost degenerate with its triplet congener) is lying only 9.2 kcal/mol higher in energy. Complexes 1 and 2 react cleanly with Ph2CS to give [ 5-1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2]2Th[(bipy)(SCPh2)] (3) and [ 5-1,3-(Me3C)2C5H3]2Th[(bipy)(SCPh2)] (4), respectively, in quantitative conversions. Since no intermediates were observed experimentally, this reaction was also studied computationally. Coordination of Ph2CS to 2 in its S = 0 ground state is not possible, but Ph2CS can coordinate to 2 in its triplet state (S = 1) upon which a single electron transfer (SET) from the (bipy2-) fragment to Ph2CS followed by C-C coupling takes place.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Thorium Oxo‐Clusters as Building Blocks for Open Frameworks

Abstract Fundamental understanding of tetravalent actinide chemistry is essential to optimize many steps of the nuclear fuel cycle, as well as to predict actinide speciation in the environment. Herein, we report synthesis and structure of three open inorganic frameworks composed of Th 4+ ‐oligomers and sulfate anions. The compounds [Th 10 O 4 (OH) 8 (SO 4 ) 12 (H 2 O) 18 ] ⋅ 28 H 2 O ( 1 ), [Th 9 O 4 (OH) 5 (SO 4 ) 12 (H 2 O) 18 ] ⋅ 1 TMA ⋅ 18 H 2 O ( 2 ), and [Th 8.5 O 4 (OH) 4 (SO 4 ) 12 (H 2 O) 18 ] ⋅ 2 TMA ⋅ n H 2 O ( 3 ) were obtained by slow evaporation of aqueous Th 4+ ‐SO 4 2− solutions, with variable SO 4 2− :Th 4+ ratios (SO 4 2− :Th 4+ =1:1, 1.5:1 and 2:1 for 1 , 2 , and 3 ; TMA=tetramethylammonium). The structure of 1 features a neutral open framework architecture with two interpenetrating networks, built from Th 6 O 4 (OH) 4 12+ hexamers and Th 2 (OH) 2 6+ dimers, linked by sulfate anions. The complex anionic framework of 2 is built from hexamers, dimers, and monomers, with charge‐balancing TMA cations. Compound 3 is very similar to 2 , but it is constructed only from hexamers and monomers. Small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) of the reaction solutions reveals pre‐assembled hexamer building units in the presence of sulfate, and underlines the key role of the sulfate‐oxoanion ligand on thorium polymerization processes.

Falaise, Clément↗
DOE OSTI2015

Synthesis, crystal structure, optical, and electronic study of the new ternary thorium selenide Ba{sub 3}ThSe{sub 3}(Se{sub 2}){sub 2}

The compound Ba{sub 3}ThSe{sub 3}(Se{sub 2}){sub 2} has been synthesized by solid-state methods at 1173 K. Its crystal structure features one-dimensional chains of {sup 1}{sub ∞}[Th(Se){sub 3}(Se{sub 2}){sub 2}{sup 6−}] separated by Ba{sup 2+} cations. Each Th atom in these chains is coordinated to two Se–Se single-bonded pairs and four Se atoms to give rise to a pseudooctahedral geometry around Th. The Th–Se distances are consistent with Th{sup 4+} and hence charge balance of Ba{sub 3}ThSe{sub 3}(Se{sub 2}){sub 2} is achieved as 3×Ba{sup 2+}, 1×Th{sup 4+}, 3×Se{sup 2−}, and 2×Se{sub 2}{sup 2−}. From optical measurements the band gap of Ba{sub 3}ThSe{sub 3}(Se{sub 2}){sub 2} is 1.96(2) eV. DFT calculations indicate that the compound is a semiconductor. - Graphical abstract: Local coordination environment of Th atoms in the Ba{sub 3}ThSe{sub 3}(Se{sub 2}){sub 2} structure. - Highlights: • Ba{sub 3}ThSe{sub 3}(Se{sub 2}){sub 2} has been synthesized by solid-state methods at 1173 K. • The structure features chains of {sup 1}{sub ∞}[Th(Se){sub 3}(Se{sub 2}){sub 2}{sup 6−}] separated by Ba{sup 2+} cations. • Ba{sub 3}ThSe{sub 3}(Se{sub 2}){sub 2} is a semiconductor with a band gap of 1.96(2) eV.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Bond energies of ThO{sup +} and ThC{sup +}: A guided ion beam and quantum chemical investigation of the reactions of thorium cation with O{sub 2} and CO

Kinetic energy dependent reactions of Th{sup +} with O{sub 2} and CO are studied using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer. The formation of ThO{sup +} in the reaction of Th{sup +} with O{sub 2} is observed to be exothermic and barrierless with a reaction efficiency at low energies of k/k{sub LGS} = 1.21 ± 0.24 similar to the efficiency observed in ion cyclotron resonance experiments. Formation of ThO{sup +} and ThC{sup +} in the reaction of Th{sup +} with CO is endothermic in both cases. The kinetic energy dependent cross sections for formation of these product ions were evaluated to determine 0 K bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of D{sub 0}(Th{sup +}–O) = 8.57 ± 0.14 eV and D{sub 0}(Th{sup +}–C) = 4.82 ± 0.29 eV. The present value of D{sub 0} (Th{sup +}–O) is within experimental uncertainty of previously reported experimental values, whereas this is the first report of D{sub 0} (Th{sup +}–C). Both BDEs are observed to be larger than those of their transition metal congeners, TiL{sup +}, ZrL{sup +}, and HfL{sup +} (L = O and C), believed to be a result of lanthanide contraction. Additionally, the reactions were explored by quantum chemical calculations, including a full Feller-Peterson-Dixon composite approach with correlation contributions up to coupled-cluster singles and doubles with iterative triples and quadruples (CCSDTQ) for ThC, ThC{sup +}, ThO, and ThO{sup +}, as well as more approximate CCSD with perturbative (triples) [CCSD(T)] calculations where a semi-empirical model was used to estimate spin-orbit energy contributions. Finally, the ThO{sup +} BDE is compared to other actinide (An) oxide cation BDEs and a simple model utilizing An{sup +} promotion energies to the reactive state is used to estimate AnO{sup +} and AnC{sup +} BDEs. For AnO{sup +}, this model yields predictions that are typically within experimental uncertainty and performs better than density functional theory calculations presented previously.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Synthesis of Parent Acetylide and Dicarbide Complexes of Thorium and Uranium and an Examination of Their Electronic Structures

The reaction of [AnCl(NR 2 ) 3 ] (An = U or Th; R = SiMe 3 ) with NaCCH and tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) results in the formation of [An(C≡CH)(NR 2 ) 3 ] (1, An = U; 2, An = Th), which can be isolated in good yields after workup. Similarly, the reaction of 3 equiv of NaCCH and TMEDA with [AnCl(NR 2 ) 3 ] results in the formation of [Na(TMEDA)][An(C≡CH) 2 (NR 2 ) 3 ] (4, An = U; 5, An = Th), which can be isolated in fair yields after workup. The reaction of 1 with 2 equiv of KC 8 and 1 equiv of 2.2.2-cryptand in tetrahydrofuran results in formation of the uranium(III) acetylide complex [K(2.2.2-cryptand)][U(C≡CH)(NR 2 ) 3 ] (3). Thermolysis of 1 or 2 results in formation of the bimetallic dicarbide complexes [{An(NR 2 ) 3 } 2 (μ,η 1 :η 1 -C 2 )] (6, An = U; 7, An = Th), whereas the reaction of 1 with [Th{N(R)(SiMe 2 CH 2 )}(NR 2 ) 2 ] results in the formation of [U(NR 2 ) 3 (μ,η 1 :η 1 -C 2 )Th(NR 2 ) 3 ] (8). The 13 C NMR chemical shifts of the α-acetylide carbon atoms in 2, 5, and 7 exhibit a characteristic spin–orbit-induced downfield shift, due to participation of the 5f orbitals in the Th–C bonds. Furthermore, magnetism measurements demonstrate that 6 displays weak ferromagnetic coupling between the uranium(IV) centers (J = 1.78 cm –1 ).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

Optical Stark and Zeeman Spectroscopy of Thorium Fluoride, ThF, and Thorium Chloride, ThCl

Experimentally and theoretically determined magnetic and electric dipole moments, bond distances and vibrational spacings are used for a comparative study of the bonding in ThF and ThCl. Numerous bands in the visible electronic spectra between 16400 cm -1 -18800 cm -1 of supersonically cooled molecular beam samples have been detected using medium resolution (Δν≈ 0.1cm -1 ), two dimensional (2D) spectroscopy. High resolution (Δν < 20 MHz) field-free, Stark, and Zeeman spectroscopy of the detected [18.6] Ω=3/2 – X 2 Δ 3/2 band of ThF near 538.4 nm and the [18.2] Ω=3/2 – X 2 Δ 3/2 band of ThCl near 551.0 nm have been recorded and analyzed. Stark shifts and splitting were analyzed to produce | r μ el | values of 1.453(7) D and 0.588(9) D, for the X 2 Δ 3/2 and [18.6]Ω=3/2 states of ThF, respectively, and 2.022(35) D and 3.020(55) D, for the X 2 Δ 3/2 and [18.2]Ω=3/2 states of ThCl. Zeeman splittings and shifts were analyzed to produce g e values of 1.038(4) and 1.079(4) for the X 2 Δ 3/2 and [18.6]Ω=3/2 states of ThF and 1.130(4) and 1.638(4) for the X 2 Δ 3/2 and [18.2]Ω=3/2 states of ThCl. Analysis of g e values demonstrate that the X 2 Δ 3/2 and [18.6]Ω=3/2 states of ThF and the X 2 Δ 3/2 state of ThCl are predominately 2 Δ 3/2 spin-orbit components, whereas the [18.2] Ω=3/2 state of ThCl is an admixture of 2 Δ 3/2 and 2 Π 3/2 spin-orbit components. A molecular orbital description of the ground states is used to rationalize the observed | r μ el | values for the ThX(X=F,Cl,O and S) series, and garner insight into the bonding mechanism. The dipole moments in the ground state of ThF and ThCl have been calculated using relativistic coupled-cluster methods. It is demonstrated that the systematic inclusion of electron-correlation contributions plays an essential role in obtaining accurate predictions for the dipole-moment values in ThF and ThCl.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗