Triuranium Octoxide

Name:
Triuranium Octoxide
Detailed information:

Chemistry name:	uranous-uranic oxide; uranyl uranate
M Formula:	U3O8
Properties:
Olive-green to black solid, crystals, or granules. D 8.39, decomposes when heated to 1300C to uranium dioxide. Insoluble in water; soluble in nitric acid and sulfuric acid.
Source:
The naturally occurring uranium oxide found in pitchblende.
Derivation:
(1) As one of the forms of uranium produced from the ores, often by a solvent extraction process. The solvent used is dodecylphosphoric acid. (2) A common form of triuranium octoxide is yellow cake, the powder obtained by evaporating an ammonia solution of the oxide.
Hazard:
Radioactive poison. Use appropriate protection in handling.
Use:
Nuclear technology, preparation of other uranium compounds.