Dissolution of PuO₂ in Hydrochloric Acid Medium—Effect of Reducing Agents

Studies on the dissolution of plutonium dioxide (PuO₂) in hydrochloric acid medium, in the presence and absence of reducing agents such as hydrazine and iron, have been performed. The results indicate that hydrazine increases the dissolution of PuO₂ even in low acidities, and low concentrations of Fe(II) are sufficient to bring about complete dissolution in a short period of time.