Relationship between the separation factor during isotopic exchange and the properties of the exchanging molecules

Abstract

An examination is made of the dependence of the equilibrium constant during isotopic exchange in diatomic compounds on the properties of the exchanging atoms and molecules: the force constant, dissociation energy, electronegativity, the structure of the electron shell, the internuclear distance, the masses of the isotopic and the additional atom. Analytical equations describing the influence of these factors on the magnitude of the equilibrium constant are obtained with the aid of semi-empirical relations. Convenient methods of correlation are found which make it possible to predict the character of the variation in the β-factors in a number of similar compounds. Recommendations are given on the selection of systems for isotope separation. An attempt is made to extend some of the conclusions obtained to isotopic exchange in polyatomic compounds.