| abstract |
Uranous oxide in a form suitable for dispersion as a sol is obtained by autoclaving a solution of uranous oxychloride, oxybromide, oxyacetate, oxyformate, or mixtures thereof, at 100 DEG to 200 DEG C., preferably for 2 to 40 hours. The solution preferably contains the equivalent of 0.1 to 20 grams of uranous oxide per 100 ml. The uranous oxychloride may have been prepared by the reduction of a solution of uranyl chloride, for example by electrodialysis or by reduction with hydrogen in the presence of a suitable catalyst. The solution thus obtained may be treated with ammonia or other basic precipitant to produce uranous hydroxide which is then redissolved in hydrochloric acid to obtain purified oxychloride. |