Origins of the odd optical observables in plutonium and americium tungstates.

A series of trivalent f-block tungstates, MWO(OH)(HO) (M = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, and Pu) and AmWO(OH), have been prepared in crystalline form using hydrothermal methods. Both structure types take the form of 3D networks where MWO(OH)(HO) is assembled from infinite chains of distorted tungstate octahedra linked by isolated MO bicapped trigonal prisms; whereas AmWO(OH) is constructed from edge-sharing AmO square antiprisms connected by distorted tungstate trigonal bipyramids. PuWO(OH)(HO) crystallizes as red plates; an atypical color for a Pu(iii) compound.

Electrochemical Studies of Selected Lanthanide and Californium Cryptates.

Efforts to quantitatively reduce Cf → Cf in solution as well as studies of its cyclic voltammetry have been hindered by its scarcity, significant challenges associated with manipulating an unusually intense γ emitter, small reaction scales, the need for nonaqueous solvents, and its radiolytic effects on ligands and solvents. In an effort to overcome these impediments, we report on the stabilization of Cf by encapsulation in 2.2.