Some studies on the physicochemical properties of oxalate and malonate complexes of uranium

The element uranium was discovered in 1789 in the pitchblende ores of Saxony by Klaproth(1743-1817), a notable analytical chemist. On treating pitchblende with nitric acid, Klaproth obtained a yellow solution, from which a yellow precipitate could be isolated when potash is added. He considered this precipitate to be the oxide of a new element and indeed secured a substance, which had a metallic appearance when it is heated with carbon at a high temperature. Klaproth believed this to be the metal itself, but we now know that it was in fact uranium oxide.