Unfolding the complexation and extraction of Am and Eu using N-heterocyclic aromatic diphosphonic acids: a combined experimental and DFT study.

Phosphonate based ligands are well known for the extraction of 'f' block elements. Three N,O-donor N-heterocyclic aromatic diphosphonate ligands were evaluated in the present work for the extraction/separation studies of Am and Eu. Complexation studies in aqueous medium using luminescence titration indicated the formation of anionic complexes in the case of Eu.