A Study of the Reactions of Alkali Metals With Alcohol in Liquid Ammonia

Introduction: This thesis embodies the results of research performed under a contract between the University of Tennessee and the United States Atomic Energy Commission, the contract calling for an examination of certain chemical separation factors for the isotopes of hydrogen.

The investigation was centered on a study of the fractionation of the isotopes protium (hereafter called hydrogen) and tritium through the reaction of a weak acid with metal. The reactions were carried out in a homogeneous system with liquid ammonia serving as solvent for the reactants.