Influence of diluent on alkylmalonamide radiolysis

The radiolysis of the extractant N¹,N³-dimethyl-N¹,N³-dibutyltetradecylmalonamide and its 30% solution in n-tridecane under the action of 3 MeV electrons was studied. The key radiolytic processes are fragmentation of the extractant molecules. The decomposition is predominant along the bonds located in the β-position relative to the carbonyl group: N-Me, N-Bu, C-C₁₄H₂₉ and C-C(O). The C-C(O) bond is the weakest – its cleavage gives more than half of all the extractant degradation products. The observed yield of extractant degradation in solution is almost one and a half times higher than in the undiluted state. At the same time, a decrease in the yield of diluent degradation is observed in the solution. The observed effects indicate partial physical and chemical protection of the diluent by the dissolved extractant.