Decomposition of plutonium oxalates by intrinsic alpha radiation

Abstract

Decomposition of the oxalates of tri-, tetra- and hexavalent plutonium was studied in air and in a vacuum at room temperature and −80 both under illumination and in darkness. It was found that the decomposition is caused by alpha radiation from the plutonium, but in the oxalates of tetra- and hexavalent plutonium the carbon monoxide which is formed acts as a reducing agent which transforms the tetravalent plutonium to the trivalent form and the hexavalent to die tetravalent. The oxalates are then transformed into carbonates and, apparently, also partially into oxides or an oxypxalate-catbonate mixture.