1,2-Diformуlhydrazine Oxidation with Nitric Acid

The kinetics of 1,2-diformylhydrazine (reagent suggested for the reductive stripping of plutonium in the Purex process) oxidation with nitric acid was studied. The rate equation is first-order with respect to the reductant and third-order with respect to nitric acid in the interval [HNO3] = 5.5–9.0 M. It is postulated that the reaction between diformylhydrazine and nitric acid involves their molecular undissociated forms. The activation energy of the reaction is 116 kJ/mol in temperature range 70–90°С.