Triuranium octoxide

Triuranium octoxide
Names
Other names
Uranium(V,VI) oxide
Pitchblende
C.I. 77919
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.014.275
EC Number
  • 215-702-4
  • InChI=1S/8O.3U
    Key: IQWPWKFTJFECBS-UHFFFAOYSA-N
  • [O].[O].[O].[O].[O].[O].[O].[O].[U].[U].[U]
Properties
U3O8
Molar mass 842.08 g/mol
Density 8.38 g/cm3
Melting point 1,150 °C (2,100 °F; 1,420 K)
Boiling point decomposes to UO2 at 1,300 °C (2,370 °F; 1,570 K)
Insoluble
Solubility Soluble in nitric acid and sulfuric acid
Thermochemistry
282 J·mol−1·K−1
−3575 kJ·mol−1
Hazards
GHS labelling:
Danger
H300, H330, H373, H411
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Triuranium octoxide (U3O8) is a compound of uranium. It is present as an olive green to black, odorless solid. It is one of the more popular forms of yellowcake and is shipped between mills and refineries in this form.

U3O8 has potential long-term stability in a geologic environment. In the presence of oxygen (O2), uranium dioxide (UO2) is oxidized to U3O8, whereas uranium trioxide (UO3) loses oxygen at temperatures above 500 °C and is reduced to U3O8. The compound can be produced by the calcination of ammonium diuranate or ammonium uranyl carbonate. Due to its high stability, it can be used for the disposal of depleted uranium. Its particle density is 8.38 g cm−3.

Triuranium octoxide is converted to uranium hexafluoride for the purpose of uranium enrichment.