The neutron irradiation of molybdenum hexacarbonyl has been systematically studied to identify possible improvements for the production of molybdenum-99. After
irradiation, the targets were dissolved in dichloromethane, and Szilard-Chalmers liquid-liquid extraction was carried out with aqueous extractants.
The effects of the irradiation time, the aqueous phase composition and the irradiated mass were studied with a focus on the chemistry involved. Stable extraction
yields of 20% were obtained with enrichment decreasing with target decomposition. Improved enrichment requires decreased decomposition.@en