Publications by authors named "W W Lukens"

Correction for 'The roles of 4f- and 5f-orbitals in bonding: a magnetochemical, crystal field, density functional theory, and multi-reference wavefunction study' by W. W. Lukens , , 2016, , 11508-11521, https://doi.

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We report the synthesis and characterization of the macrocyclic californium derivative Na[Cf(HO)(DOTA)] (DOTA = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetate), , which was studied in comparison to its dysprosium counterpart, Na[Dy(HO)(DOTA)], . Divergent spectroscopic and magnetic behaviors were observed between and . Based upon spectroscopic measurements, we propose that accessible 5f → 6d transitions (potentially operating in tandem with charge-transfer transitions) are the major contributors to the observed broadband photoluminescence in .

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Curium's stable redox chemistry and ability to emit strong metal-based luminescence make it uniquely suitable for spectroscopic studies among the actinide series. Targeted ligand and coordination compound design can support both fundamental electronic structure studies and industrial safeguards with the identification of unique spectroscopic signatures. However, limited availability, inherent radioactive hazards, and arduous purifications have long inhibited such investigations of this element.

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Article Synopsis
  • Amidate-based ligands create 8-coordinate complexes with tetravalent Neptunium (Np) and Plutonium (Pu), enabling comparisons among early actinides via NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction.
  • Controlled thermolysis is used to remove volatile ligands while preserving metal-oxygen bonds, resulting in pure NpO and PuO materials.
  • This research provides a consistent approach for producing high-purity actinide compounds, beneficial for nuclear nonproliferation, forensic analysis, and fundamental scientific research.
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Traditional models of lanthanide electronic structure suggest that bonding is predominantly ionic, and that covalent orbital mixing is not an important factor in determining magnetic properties. Here, 4f orbital mixing and its impact on the magnetic susceptibility of Cp'Eu (Cp' = CHSiMe) was analyzed experimentally using magnetometry and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) methods at the C K-, Eu M-, and L-edges. Pre-edge features in the experimental and TDDFT-calculated C K-edge XAS spectra provided unequivocal evidence of C 2p and Eu 4f orbital mixing in the π-antibonding orbital of a' symmetry.

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