Computational insight into the reductive oligomerisation of CO at uranium(III) mixed-sandwich complexes.

Calculations reveal a multistep pathway towards formation of linear [U](2)-(μ-η(1):η(1)-C(2)O(2)); [U] = U(η-C(8)H(6){SiH(3)-1,4}(2))(η-Cp). However formation of deltate-bridged [U](2)-(μ-η(1):η(2)-C(3)O(3)) requires an alternative mechanism, involving a side-on [U](2)-(μ-η(2):η(2)-CO) complex and whereby the bridging units of [U](2)-(μ-η(2):η(2)-C(n)O(n)) intermediates (n = 1, 2) react directly with free CO.