Neptunium(IV) oxalate

Neptunium (IV) oxalate is an inorganic compound, a salt of neptunium and oxalic acid with the chemical formula Np(C₂O₄)₂. The compound is slightly soluble in water, forms crystalline hydrates—green crystals.

Synthesis

Neptunium(IV) oxalate is formed by the oxalic acid precipitation of neptunium (IV) solutions:

NpCl₄ 2H₂C₂O₄ → Np(C₂O₄)₂•₆H₂O↓ 4HCl

Physical properties

Neptunium(IV) oxalate forms a crystalline hydrate of the composition Np(C₂O₄)₂ • 6H₂O with green crystals.

It is insoluble in acetone, and slightly soluble in water.

Chemical properties

Neptunium(IV) oxalate decomposes on heating:

${\displaystyle {\mathsf {Np(C_{2}O_{4})_{2}\ {\xrightarrow {400^{o}C}}\ NpO_{2} 2CO_{2} 2CO}}}$

Applications

Neptunium(IV) oxalate is used as an intermediate product in the purification of neptunium.

References