Chemistry of the CARBEX process: Identification of absorption bands of the ligands in the electronic spectra of aqueous solutions of Na4[UO2(CO3)3]

Abstract

On the basis of consideration of hydration, hydrolysis, dissociation, polymerization, and ligand exchange that occur in aqueous solutions of U(VI) complexes, a new approach to the assignment of absorption bands of the ligands in electronic spectra of uranium(VI) carbonate complexes in the range 190–400 nm has been suggested. For the Na₄[UO₂(CO₃)₃] complex, the following assignment of absorption bands has been made: Na₃[UO₂(CO₃)₃]^–, 258 nm; Na₂[UO₂(CO₃)₃]^2–, 300 nm; and Na₄[UO₂(CO₃)₃], 330 nm.