Synthesis, Structure, and Vibrational Properties of [PhP]NpOCl and [PhP]PuOCl Complexes.

The synthesis, structure, and vibrational properties are presented for an isostructural series of Np(VI) and Pu(VI) complexes of the form [PhP]AnOCl, where An = Np(VI) or Pu(VI). The reported complexes are readily synthesized in ambient laboratory conditions, and their molecular structures were determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction. Their vibrational spectra were studied using a combination of Raman and FT-IR vibrational spectroscopies.

Lattice solvent and crystal phase effects on the vibrational spectra of UO2Cl4(2-).

We present the structural and spectroscopic characterization of six uranyl tetrachloride compounds along with a quantified analysis showing the influence of both the crystallographic phase and the lattice solvent upon the vibrational properties of the uranyl moiety. From the uranyl symmetric and asymmetric stretching frequencies we use a valence bond potential model to calculate the stretching and interaction force constants of the uranyl moiety in each compound. Quantifying these second-sphere influences provides insight into the vibrational properties, and indirectly the electronic structure, of the uranyl ion in its ground state.

Supramolecular interactions in PuO2Cl4(2-) and PuCl6(2-) complexes with protonated pyridines: synthesis, crystal structures, and Raman spectroscopy.

The synthesis, crystal structures, and Raman spectra of seven plutonium chloride compounds are presented. The materials are based upon Pu(VI)O2Cl4(2-) and Pu(IV)Cl6(2-) anions that are charge balanced by protonated pyridinium cations. The single crystal X-ray structures show a variety of donor-acceptor interactions between the plutonium perhalo anions and the cationic pyridine groups.

Structural and vibrational properties of U(VI)O2Cl4(2-) and Pu(VI)O2Cl4(2-) complexes.

In actinide chemistry, it has been shown that equatorial ligands bound to the metal centers of actinyl ions have a strong influence on the chemistry and therefore the electronic structure of the O═An═O moiety. While this influence has received a significant amount of attention, considerably less research has been done to investigate how the identity of the actinide metal itself (U, Np, Pu, Am) affects the actinyl stretching frequencies. Herein, we present the structural and spectroscopic characterization of six actinyl tetrachloride compounds (M2AnO2Cl4: M = Rb, Cs, Me4N; An = U, Pu) as well as the stretching and interactive force constants of the actinyl moiety in each species.

Uranium(IV) sulfates: investigating structural periodicity in the tetravalent actinides.

Chemical trends within the periodic table are frequently used as guides for predicting reactivity, structure, and electronic properties of the elements. While these trends have been rigorously investigated for the transition metals, the understanding of trends within the actinide series is elementary in comparison. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of five new U(IV) sulfate compounds and discuss their relationship to previously reported An(IV) sulfate species, an analysis that allows for the elucidation of solid state trends across the actinides.

Bonding trends traversing the tetravalent actinide series: synthesis, structural, and computational analysis of An(IV)((Ar)acnac)4 complexes (An = Th, U, Np, Pu; (Ar)acnac = ArNC(Ph)CHC(Ph)O; Ar = 3,5-(t)Bu2C6H3).

A series of tetravalent An(IV) complexes with a bis-phenyl β-ketoiminate N,O donor ligand has been synthesized with the aim of identifying bonding trends and changes across the actinide series. The neutral molecules are homoleptic with the formula An((Ar)acnac)(4) (An = Th (1), U (2), Np (3), Pu (4); (Ar)acnac = ArNC(Ph)CHC(Ph)O; Ar = 3,5-(t)Bu(2)C(6)H(3)) and were synthesized through salt metathesis reactions with actinide chloride precursors. NMR and electronic absorption spectroscopy confirm the purity of all four new compounds and demonstrate stability in both solution and the solid state.

Stabilising pentavalent actinides--visible-near infrared and X-ray absorption spectroscopic studies of the utility of the [(Np3W4O15)(H2O)3(MW9O33)3]18- (M = Sb, Bi) structural type.

We report the interaction between B-type tri-lacunary heteropolyoxotungstate anions and actinyl(V) cations in aqueous solution, yielding a greater understanding of the stability of the O≡An≡O(1+) linear dioxo actinide moiety. Previously we reported that B-α-[BiW(9)O(33)](9-) and B-α-[SbW(9)O(33)](9-) will react with NpO(2)(1+) to yield [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(MW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) (M = Bi, or Sb). Single crystal structural characterisation of salts of these complexes revealed a core in which three Np(V) atoms interact with a central W(VI) atom through bridging oxo groups.

Silylation of the uranyl ion using B(C6F5)3-activated Et3SiH.

Addition of 2 equiv of HSiEt(3) to UO(2)((Ar)acnac)(2) ((Ar)acnac = ArNC(Ph)CHC(Ph)O, Ar = 3,5-(t)Bu(2)C(6)H(3)) in the presence of 1 equiv of B(C(6)F(5))(3) results in formation of the U(V) bis(silyloxide) complex [U(OSiEt(3))(2)((Ar)acnac)(2)][HB(C(6)F(5))(3)] (1) in 80% yield. Also produced in the reaction, as a minor product, is U(OSiEt(3))(OB{C(6)F(5)}(3))((Ar)acnac)(2) (2). Interestingly, thermolysis of 1 at 85 °C for 24 h also results in formation of 2, concomitant with production of Et(3)SiH.

Differences in actinide metal-ligand orbital interactions: comparison of U(IV) and Pu(IV) β-ketoiminate N,O donor complexes.

Syntheses and characterization of UCl(2)((Ar)acnac)(2), UI(2)((Ar)acnac)(2), and PuI(2)((Ar)acnac)(2) are reported ((Ar)acnac denotes a bis-phenyl β-ketoiminate ligand where Ar = 3,5-(t)Bu(2)C(6)H(3)). Structural analyses and computations show significant metal-ligand orbital interaction differences in U(IV) vs. Pu(IV) bonding.

Borane-mediated silylation of a metal-oxo ligand.

The addition of 1 equiv of HSiPh(3) to UO(2)((Ar)acnac)(2) ((Ar)acnac = ArNC(Ph)CHC(Ph)O; Ar = 3,5-(t)Bu(2)C(6)H(3)), in the presence of 1 equiv of B(C(6)F(5))(3), results in the formation of U(OSiPh(3))(OB{C(6)F(5)}(3))((Ar)acnac)(2) (1), via silylation of an oxo ligand and reduction of the uranium center. The addition of 1 equiv of Cp(2)Co to 1 results in a reduction to uranium(IV) and the formation of [Cp(2)Co][U(OSiPh(3))(OB{C(6)F(5)}(3))((Ar)acnac)(2)] (2) in 78% yield. Complexes 1 and 2 have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, while the solution-phase redox properties of 1 have been measured with cyclic voltammetry.

Isolation of a uranyl amide by "ate" complex formation.

The uranyl amide [{Li(DME)}(2)Cl][Li(DME)][UO(2)(NC(5)H(10))(3)](2) has been synthesised and structurally characterised. Its stability is attributed to the saturation of the uranyl coordination sphere by "ate" complex formation.

Reduction of pentavalent uranyl to U(IV) facilitated by oxo functionalization.

Addition of 2 equiv of B(C(6)F(5))(3) to [Cp*(2)Co][U(V)O(2)((Ar)acnac)(2)] (1) [(Ar)acnac = ArNC(Ph)CHC(Ph)O; Ar = 3,5-(t)Bu(2)C(6)H(3)] results in the formation of [Cp*(2)Co][U(V){OB(C(6)F(5))(3)}(2)((Ar)acnac)(2)] (2) in good yield. Reduction of 2 with 1 equiv of Cp*(2)Co generates [Cp*(2)Co](2)[U(IV){OB(C(6)F(5))(3)}(2)((Ar)acnac)(2)] (3), also in good yield. This reaction is chemically reversible, as shown by the reaction of 3 with AgOTf, which regenerates 2.

Reactivity of UI4(OEt2)2 with phenols: probing the chemistry of the U-I bond.

Solutions of UI4(OEt2)2 in Et2O were found to deposit orange crystals of [H(OEt2)2][UI5(OEt2)] (1) upon standing at room temperature. The proton in the cation of 1 most likely originates from the surface of the glass vial in which the solution was stored. Reactions of UI4(OEt2)2 with 1 equiv.

Reactivity of UH3 with mild oxidants.

Addition of 2 equiv of I2 to a stirring suspension of UH3 in Et2O results in vigorous gas evolution and the formation of UI4(OEt2)2 (1), which can be isolated in good yields as an air- and moisture-sensitive brick-red powder. Addition of 3 equiv of AgBr to UH3 in DME produces UBr3(DME)2 (2), while addition of 4 equiv of AgX to UH3 in DME-CH2Cl2 provides UX4(DME)2 (X = Br, 3; Cl, 4). Similarly, the reaction of 4 equiv of AgOTf with UH3 in neat DME generates U(OTf)4(DME)2 (5).