Synthesis, characterization, and multielectron reduction chemistry of uranium supported by redox-active α-diimine ligands.

Uranium compounds supported by redox-active α-diimine ligands, which have methyl groups on the ligand backbone and bulky mesityl substituents on the nitrogen atoms {(Mes)DAB(Me) = [ArN═C(Me)C(Me)═NAr], where Ar = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl (Mes)}, are reported. The addition of 2 equiv of (Mes)DAB(Me), 3 equiv of KC(8), and 1 equiv of UI(3)(THF)(4) produced the bis(ligand) species ((Mes)DAB(Me))(2)U(THF) (1). The metallocene derivative, Cp(2)U((Mes)DAB(Me)) (2), was generated by the addition of an equimolar ratio of (Mes)DAB(Me) and KC(8) to Cp(3)U.

Covalency trends in group IV metallocene dichlorides. chlorine K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy and time dependent-density functional theory.

For 3-5d transition-metal ions, the (C5R5)2MCl2 (R = H, Me for M = Ti, Zr, Hf) bent metallocenes represent a series of compounds that have been central in the development of organometallic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis. Here, we evaluate how changes in the principal quantum number for the group IV (C5H5)2MCl2 (M = Ti, Zr, Hf; 1- 3, respectively) complexes affects the covalency of M-Cl bonds through application of Cl K-edge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS). Spectra were recorded on solid samples dispersed as a thin film and encapsulated in polystyrene matrices to reliably minimize problems associated with X-ray self-absorption.