Thermodynamic considerations indicate that sodium should be favorable for the one-step reduction of UF/sub 6/ to uranium metal. A reaction vessel was developed for the continuous reduction of UF/sub 6/ to metal with batch collection of the products, and several experimental tests established the chemical feasibility of this direct and continuous reduction. Up to 93.5% of the uranium content of UF/sub 6/ continuously reduced by sodium in a reaction vessel was recovered as massive uranium metal in the form of a metal button of acceptable purity. A remaining problem is development of compatible materials of construction. (auth)

Using a theory of electron transfers which takes cognizance of reorganization of the medium outside the inner coordination shell and of changes of bond lengths inside it, relations between electrochemical and related chemical rate constants are deduced and compared with the experimental data. A correlation is found, without the use of arbitrary parameters. Effects of weak complexes with added electrolytes are included under specified conditions. The deductions offer a way of coordinating a variety of data in the two fields, internally as well as with each those in another. For example, the rate of oxidation or reduction of a series of related reactants by one reagent is correlated with that of another and with that of the corresponding electrochemical oxidation-reduction reaction, under certain specified conditions. These correlations may also provide a test for distinguishing an electron from an atom transfer mechanism. (auth)