Ammonium diuranate

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Ammonium diuranate
Properties
Molecular formula	(NH4)2U2O7
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Ammonium diuranate or (ADU) ((NH₄)₂U₂O₇), is one of the intermediate chemical forms of uranium produced during yellowcake production. The name 'yellowcake' originally given to this bright yellow substance, now applies to mixtures of uranium oxides which are actually hardly ever yellow. It also is an intermediate in mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel fabrication.

It is precipitated during production by adding aqueous ammonium hydroxide after uranium extraction by tertiary amines in an organic kerosene solvent. This precipitate is then thickened and centrifuged before being calcined to uranium oxide. Canadian practice favours the production of uranium oxide from ammonium diuranate, rather than from uranyl nitrate as is the case elsewhere.

Ammonium diuranate was once used to produce colored glazes in ceramics.

[edit] References

• Nuclear Chemistry - Uranium Production
• Characterizing and Classifying Uranium Yellow Cakes: A Background