HPLC separation of heterocyclic beta-diketonates of actinide, lanthanide and transition metals.

Liquid-chromatography conditions for the separation of neutral chelates of 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl-5-pyrazolone with transition metals, lanthanides and actinides have been established. The use of reverse-phase liquid chromatography, instead of ion-exchange, is a novel approach for actinide separation. The high molar absorptivities of the beta-diketonates in the ultraviolet region allow for their detection at the nanogram level. The potential exists, therefore, for the rapid solvent extraction, concentration and determination of traces of actinides and other metals.