URANIUM(IV) OXIDE

Description

Uranium dioxide, also known as yellow cake, has a molecular formula of UO2. It is a black crystal that is insoluble in water. It is a high radiation risk and ignites spontaneously in finely divided form. It is used to pack nuclear fuel rods for nuclear reactors.

Chemical properties

URANIUM(IV) OXIDE is black crystals. Insoluble inwater; soluble in nitric acid and concentrated sulfuric acid.

Physical properties

Brown to black powder or cubic crystals; density 10.97 g/cm³; Mohs hardness 5.5; melts at 2,827°C; insoluble in water and dilute acids; soluble in concentrated acids.

The Uses of URANIUM(IV) OXIDE

URANIUM(IV) OXIDE is a crystalline (or pellet) form is used to pack nuclear fuel rods.

The Uses of URANIUM(IV) OXIDE

Used in nuclear power reactors as nuclear-fuel-sintered element containing either natural or enriched uranium.

Preparation

Uranium dioxide occurs in mineral uraninite. Purified oxide may be obtained from uraninite after purification. The commercial material, however, also is recovered from other uranium sources. Uranium dioxide is obtained as an intermediate during production of uranium metal (See Uranium). Uranyl nitrate, UO₂(NO₃)₂, obtained from digesting the mineral uraninite or pitchblende with concentrated nitric acid and separated by solvent extraction, is reduced with hydrogen at high temperatures to yield the dioxide.

Hazard

High radiation risk. Ignites spontaneously in finely divided form.