Raman spectroscopic study of the molecular structure of the uranyl mineral zippeite from Jáchymov (Joachimsthal), Czech Republic

Raman spectra at 298 and 77K and infrared spectra of the uranyl sulfate mineral zippeite from Jáchymov (Joachimsthal), Czech Republic, K(0.6)(H(3)O)0.4[(UO(2))6(SO(4))3(OH)7].8H2O, were studied. Observed bands were tentatively attributed to the (UO(2))2+ and (SO(4))2- stretching and bending vibrations, the OH stretching vibrations of water molecules, hydroxyls and oxonium ions, and H(2)O, oxonium, and delta U-OH bending vibrations. Empirical relations were used for the calculation of U-O bond lengths in uranyl R (A)=f(nu(3) or nu(1)(UO(2))2+). Calculated U-O bond lengths are in agreement with U-O bond lengths from the single crystal structure analysis and those inferred for uranyl anion sheet topology of uranyl pentagonal dipyramidal coordination polyhedra. The number of observed bands supports the conclusion from single crystal structure analysis that at least two symmetrically distinct U6+ (in uranyls) and S6+ (in sulfates), water molecules and hydroxyls may be present in the crystal structure of the zippeite studied. Strong to very weak hydrogen bonds present in the crystal structure of zippeite studied were inferred from the IR spectra.     

Near- and mid-infrared spectroscopy of the uranyl selenite mineral haynesite (UO2)3(SeO3)2(OH)2.5H2O

Near- and mid-infrared spectra of uranyl selenite mineral haynesite (UO(2))(3)(SeO(3))(2)(OH)(2).5H(2)O, were studied and assigned. Observed bands were assigned to the stretching vibrations of uranyl and selenite units, stretching, bending and libration modes of water molecules and hydroxyl ions, and delta U-OH bending vibrations. U-O bond lengths in uranyl and hydrogen bond lengths O-H...O were inferred from the spectra.     

Raman spectroscopic determination of equilibrium constants of uranyl sulphate complexes in aqueous solutions

Raman spectra are used to determine the formation constants of uranyl sulphate complexes in aqueous solutions at 20 degrees and remedy the confusion existing in this area in the available literature. Solutions with a varying total sulphate concentration and an ionic strength lower than 0.4M are analysed. The species UO(2)SO(4) and UO(2)(SO(4))(2-)(2) are characterized by a resolved Raman band at 861 cm(-1) and an unresolved one at 852 cm(-1), corresponding to the uranyl symmetrical stretching vibration. The equilibrium constants, in term of activity (standard state 1M), are found to be about 1400 and 11, respectively, for the consecutive reactions: UO(2+)(2)(aq)+SO(2-)(4)(aq)=UO(2)SO(4)(aq) and UO(2)SO(4)(aq)+SO(2-)(4)(aq)=UO(2)(SO(4))(2-)(2)(aq).     

Role of the uranyl oxo group as a hydrogen bond acceptor

Density functional theory calculations have been used to evaluate the geometries and energetics of interactions between a number of uranyl complexes and hydrogen bond donor groups. The results reveal that although traditional hydrogen bond donors are repelled by the oxo group in the [UO(2)(OH(2))(5)](2+) species, they are attracted to the oxo groups in [UO(2)(OH(2))(2)(NO(3))(2)](0), [UO(2)(NO(3))(3)](-), and [UO(2)Cl(4)](2-) species. Hydrogen bond strength depends on the equatorial ligation and can exceed 15 kcal mol(-1). The results also reveal the existence of directionality at the uranyl oxo acceptor, with a weak preference for linear U═O---H angles.     

Uranyl and/or rare-earth mellitates in extended organic-inorganic networks: a unique case of heterometallic cation-cation interaction with U(VI)═O-Ln(III) bonding (Ln = Ce, Nd)

A series of uranyl and lanthanide (trivalent Ce, Nd) mellitates (mel) has been hydrothermally synthesized in aqueous solvent. Mixtures of these 4f and 5f elements also revealed the formation of a rare case of lanthanide-uranyl coordination polymers. Their structures, determined by XRD single-crystal analysis, exhibit three distinct architectures. The pure lanthanide mellitate Ln(2)(H(2)O)(6)(mel) possesses a 3D framework built up from the connection of isolated LnO(6)(H(2)O)(3) polyhedra (tricapped trigonal prism) through the mellitate ligand. The structure of the uranyl mellitate (UO(2))(3)(H(2)O)(6)(mel)·11.5H(2)O is lamellar and consists of 8-fold coordinated uranium atoms linked to each other through the organic ligand giving rise to the formation of a 2D 3(6) net. The third structural type, (UO(2))(2)Ln(OH)(H(2)O)(3)(mel)·2.5H(2)O, involves direct oxygen bondings between the lanthanide and uranyl centers, with the isolation of a heterometallic dinuclear motif. The 9-fold coordinated Ln cation, LnO(5)(OH)(H(2)O)(3), is linked to the 7-fold coordinated uranyl (UO(2))O(4)(OH) (pentagonal bipyramid) via one μ(2)-hydroxo group and one μ(2)-oxo group. The latter is shared between the uranyl bonding (U═O = 1.777(4)/1.779(6) ?) and a long Ln-O bonding (Ce-O = 2.822(4) ?; Nd-O = 2.792(6) ?). This unusual linkage is a unique illustration of the so-called cation-cation interaction associating 4f and 5f metals. The dinuclear motif is then further connected through the mellitate ligand, and this generates organic-inorganic layers that are linked to each other via discrete uranyl (UO(2))O(4) units (square bipyramid), which ensure the three-dimensional cohesion of the structure. The mixed U-Ln carboxylate is thermally decomposed from 260 to 280 °C and then transformed into the basic uranium oxide (U(3)O(8)) together with U-Ln oxide with the fluorite structural type ("(Ln,U)O(2)"). At 1400 °C, only fluorite type "(Ln,U)O(2)" is formed with the measured stoichiometry of U(0.63)Ce(0.37)O(2) and U(0.60)Nd(0.40)O(2-δ).     

Effect of nitrate, perchlorate, and water on uranyl(VI) speciation in a room-temperature ionic liquid: a spectroscopic investigation

Room-temperature ionic liquids form potentially important solvents in novel nuclear waste reprocessing methods, and the solvation, speciation, and complexation behaviors of lanthanides and actinides in these solvents are of great current interest. In the study reported here, the coordination environment of uranyl(VI) in solutions of the room-temperature ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIM][Tf(2)N]) containing perchlorate, tetrabutylammonium nitrate, and water was investigated using Raman, ATR-FTIR, and NMR spectroscopies in order to better understand the role played in uranyl(VI) solution chemistry in room-temperature ionic liquids by water and other small, weakly complexing ligands. The (2)H NMR chemical shift for water in a solution of uranyl perchlorate hexahydrate in [EMIM][Tf(2)N] appears at 6.52 ppm, indicating that water is coordinated to uranyl(VI). A broad ν(OH) stretching mode at 3370 cm(-1) in the ATR-FTIR spectrum shows that this coordinated water is engaged in hydrogen bonding with water molecules in a second coordination sphere. A significant upfield shift in the (2)H NMR signal for water and the appearance of distinct ν(as)(HOH) (at 3630 cm(-1)) and ν(s)(HOH) (at 3560 cm(-1)) vibrational bands in the ATR-FTIR spectra show that coordinated water is displaced by nitrate upon formation of the UO(2)(NO(3))(2) and UO(2)(NO(3))(3)(-) complexes. The Raman spectra indicate that perchlorate complexed to uranyl(VI) is also displaced by nitrate. Our results indicate that perchlorate and water, though weakly complexing ligands, do have a role in uranyl(VI) speciation in room-temperature ionic liquids and that Raman, infrared, and NMR spectroscopies are valuable additions to the suite of tools currently used to study the chemical behavior of uranyl(VI)-ligand complexes in these solvents.     

Ions generated from uranyl nitrate solutions by electrospray ionization (ESI) and detected with fourier transform ion-cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry

Electrospray ionization (ESI) of uranyl nitrate solutions generates a wide variety of positively and negatively charged ions, including complex adducts of uranyl ions with methoxy, hydroxy, and nitrate ligands. In the positive ion mode, ions detected by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry are sensitive to instrumental tuning parameters such as quadrupole operating frequency and trapping time. Positive ions correspond to oligomeric uranyl nitrate species that can be characterized as having a general formula of [(UO(2))(n)(A)(m)(CH(3)OH)(s)](+) or [(UO(2))(n)(O)(A)(m)(CH(3)OH)(s)](+) with n = 1-4, m = 1-7, s = 0 or 1, and A = OH, NO(3), CH(3)O or a combination of these, although the formation of NO(3)-containing species is preferred. In the negative ion mode, complexes of the form [(UO(2))(NO(3))(m)](-) (m = 1-3) are detected, although the formation of the oxo-containing ions [(UO(2))(O)(n)(NO(3))(m)](-) (n = 1-2, m = 1-2) and the hydroxy-containing ions [(UO(2))(OH)(n)(NO(3))(m)](-) (n = 1-2, m = 0-1) are also observed. The extent of coordinative unsaturation of both positive and negative ions can be determined by ligand association/exchange and H/D exchange experiments using D(2)O and CD(3)OD as neutral reaction partners in the gas-phase. Positive ions are of varying stability and reactivity and may fragment extensively upon collision with D(2)O, CD(3)OD and N(2) in sustained off-resonance irradiation/collision-induced dissociation (SORI-CID) experiments. Electron-transfer reactions, presumably occurring during electrospray ionization but also in SORI-CID, can result in reduction of U(VI) to U(V) and perhaps even U(IV).     

Raman spectroscopy of uranyl rare earth carbonate kamotoite-(Y)

Raman spectroscopy at 298 and 77K has been used to study the mineral kamotoite-(Y), a uranyl rare earth carbonate mineral of formula Y(2)(UO(2))(4)(CO(3))(3)(OH)(8).10-11H(2)O. The mineral is characterised by two Raman bands at 1130.9 and 1124.6 cm(-1) assigned to the nu(1) symmetric stretching mode of the (CO(3))(2-) units, while those at 1170.4 and 862.3 cm(-1) (77K) to the deltaU-OH bending vibrations. The assignment of the two bands at 814.7 and 809.6 cm(-1) is difficult because of the potential overlap between the symmetric stretching modes of the (UO(2))(2+) units and the nu(2) bending modes of the (CO(3))(2-) units. Only a single band is observed in the 77K spectrum at 811.6 cm(-1). One possible assignment is that the band at 814.7 cm(-1) is attributable to the nu(1) symmetric stretching mode of the (UO(2))(2+) units and the second band at 809.6 cm(-1) is due to the nu(2) bending modes of the (CO(3))(2-) units. Bands observed at 584 and 547.3 cm(-1) are attributed to water librational modes. An intense band at 417.7 cm(-1) resolved into two components at 422.0 and 416.6 cm(-1) in the 77K spectrum is assigned to an Y(2)O(2) stretching vibration. Bands at 336.3, 286.4 and 231.6 cm(-1) are assigned to the nu(2) (UO(2))(2+) bending modes. U-O bond lengths in uranyl are calculated from the wavenumbers of the uranyl symmetric stretching vibrations. The presence of symmetrically distinct uranyl and carbonate units in the crystal structure of kamotoite-(Y) is assumed. Hydrogen-bonding network related to the presence of water molecules and hydroxyls is shortly discussed.     

A Raman and infrared spectroscopic study of the uranyl silicates--weeksite, soddyite and haiweeite: part 2

Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the molecular structure of a series of selected uranyl silicate minerals including weeksite K2[(UO2)2(Si5O13)].H2O, soddyite [(UO2)2SiO4.2H2O] and haiweeite Ca[(UO2)2(Si5O12(OH)2](H2O)3 with UO2(2+)/SiO2 molar ratio 2:1 or 2:5. Raman spectra clearly show well resolved bands in the 750-800 cm(-1) region and in the 950-1000 cm(-1) region assigned to the nu1 modes of the (UO2)2+ units and to the (SiO4)4- tetrahedra. Soddyite is characterized by Raman bands at 828.0, 808.6 and 801.8 cm(-1), 909.6 and 898.0 cm(-1), and 268.2, 257.8 and 246.9 cm(-1), attributed to the nu1, nu3, and nu2 (delta) (UO2)2+, respectively. Coincidences of the nu1 (UO2)2+ and the nu1 (SiO4)4- is expected. Bands at 1082.2, 1071.2, 1036.3, 995.1 and 966.3 cm(-1) are attributed to the nu3 (SiO4)4-. Sets of Raman bands in the 200-300 cm(-1) region are assigned to nu2 (delta) (UO2)2+ and UO ligand vibrations. Multiple bands indicate the non-equivalence of the UO bonds and the lifting of the degeneracy of nu2 (delta) (UO2)2+ vibrations. The (SiO4)4- tetrahedral are characterized by bands in the 470-550 cm(-1) and in the 390-420 cm(-1) region. These bands are attributed to the nu4 and nu2 (SiO4)4- bending modes. The minerals show characteristic OH stretching bands in the 2900-3500 and 3600-3700 cm(-1).     

A Raman and infrared spectroscopic study of the uranyl silicates--weeksite, soddyite and haiweeite

Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the molecular structure of a series of selected uranyl silicate minerals, including weeksite K2[(UO2)2(Si5O13)].H2O, soddyite [(UO2)2SiO4.2H2O] and haiweeite Ca[(UO2)2(Si5O12(OH)2](H2O)3 with UO2(2+)/SiO2 molar ratio 2:1 or 2:5. Raman spectra clearly show well resolved bands in the 750-800 cm-1 region and in the 950-1000 cm-1 region assigned to the nu1 modes of the (UO2)2+ units and to the (SiO4)4- tetrahedra. For example, soddyite is characterized by Raman bands at 828.0, 808.6 and 801.8 cm-1 (UO2)2+ (nu1), 909.6 and 898.0 cm-1 (UO2)2+ (nu3), 268.2, 257.8 and 246.9 cm-1 are assigned to the nu2 (delta) (UO2)2+. Coincidences of the nu1 (UO2)2+ and the nu1 (SiO4)4- is expected. Bands at 1082.2, 1071.2, 1036.3, 995.1 and 966.3 cm-1 are attributed to the nu3 (SiO4)4-. Sets of Raman bands in the 200-300 cm-1 region are assigned to nu2 (delta) (UO2)2+ and UO ligand vibrations. Multiple bands indicate the non-equivalence of the UO bonds and the lifting of the degeneracy of nu2 (delta) (UO2)2+ vibrations. The (SiO4)4- tetrahedral are characterized by bands in the 470-550 cm-1 and in the 390-420 cm-1 region. These bands are attributed to the nu4 and nu2 (SiO4)4- bending modes. The minerals show characteristic OH stretching bands in the 2900-3500 cm-1 and 3600-3700 cm-1.     

A Raman spectroscopic study of the uranyl phosphate mineral threadgoldite

Raman spectra of threadgoldite at 298 and 77K are measured and interpreted for the first time. Bands related the (UO(2))(2+) and (PO(4))(3-) stretching and bending vibrations are tenatively attributed together with the bands assigned to the stretching a and bending vibrations of water molecules and hydroxyls. Hydrogen-bonding network and H(2)O and (OH)(-1) libration modes are mentioned. U-O bond lengths in uranyls are calculated via empirical relations R(U-O)=f[nu(1) and nu(3)(UO(2))(2+)]A. They are comparable to the values inferred from the single crystal structure analysis of threadgoldite.     

Uranium dioxide in ionic liquid with a tri-n-butylphosphate-HNO3 complex--dissolution and coordination environment

Uranium dioxide can be dissolved directly in an imidazolium-based ionic liquid (IL) at room temperature with a tri-n-butylphosphate(TBP)-HNO(3) complex. The dissolution process follows pseudo first-order kinetics initially. Raman spectroscopic studies show the dissolved uranyl ions are coordinated with TBP in the IL phase with a molar ratio of (UO(2))(2+) : TBP = 1 : 2. The dissolved uranyl species can be effectively transferred to a supercritical fluid carbon dioxide (sc-CO(2)) phase. No aqueous phase is formed in either the IL dissolution or the supercritical fluid extraction process. Absorption spectra of the extracted uranyl species in the sc-CO(2) phase suggests the presence of a UO(2)(TBP)(2)(NO(3))(2) and HNO(3) adduct probably of the form UO(2)(TBP)(2)(NO(3))(2)·HNO(3). The adduct dissociates in a water-dodecane trap solution during pressure reduction resulting in UO(2)(TBP)(2)(NO(3))(2) collected in the dodecane phase.     

Cation-cation interactions between uranyl cations in a polar open-framework uranyl periodate

Novel open-framework alkali metal uranyl periodates, having the formula A[(UO2)3(HIO6)(OH)(O)(H2O)].1.5H2O (A = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs), have been prepared through mild hydrothermal synthesis. These isostructural compounds contain distorted UO7 pentagonal bipyramids that are linked through a uranyl (UO22+) to uranyl cation-cation interaction. This interaction arises from a single axial uranyl oxygen coordinating at an equatorial site of an adjacent uranyl unit. These uranium oxide polyhedra are further bound by IO6 distorted octahedra creating an open-framework structure whose channels contain the alkali metal cations.     

Structural, spectroscopic and redox properties of uranyl complexes with a maleonitrile containing ligand

The reaction of uranyl nitrate hexahydrate with the maleonitrile containing Schiff base 2,3-bis[(4-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino]but-2-enedinitrile (salmnt((Et(2)N)(2))H(2)) in methanol produces [UO(2)(salmnt((Et2N)2))(H(2)O)] (1) where the uranyl equatorial coordination plane is completed by the N(2)O(2) tetradentate cavity of the (salmnt((Et(2)N)(2)))(2-) ligand and a water molecule. The coordinated water molecule readily undergoes exchange with pyridine (py), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) to give a series of [UO(2)(salmnt((Et(2)N)(2)))(L)] complexes (L = py, DMSO, DMF, TPPO; 2-5, respectively). X-Ray crystallography of 1-5 show that the (salmnt((Et(2)N)(2)))(2-) ligand is distorted when coordinated to the uranyl moiety, in contrast to the planar structure observed for the free protonated ligand (salmnt((Et(2)N)(2))H(2)). The Raman spectra of 1-5 only display extremely weak bands (819-828 cm(-1)) that can be assigned to the typically symmetric O=U=O stretch. This stretching mode is also observed in the infrared spectra for all complexes 1-5 (818-826 cm(-1)) predominantly caused by the distortion of the tetradentate (salmnt((Et(2)N)(2)))(2-) ligand about the uranyl equatorial plane resulting in a change in dipole for this bond stretch. The solution behaviour of 2-5 was studied using NMR, electronic absorption and emission spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Complexes 2-5 exhibit intense absorptions in the visible region of the spectrum due to intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) transitions and the luminescence lifetimes (< 5 ns) indicate the emission arises from ligand-centred excited states. Reversible redox processes assigned to the {UO(2)}(2+)/{UO(2)}(+) couple are observed for complexes 2-5 (2: E(1/2) = -1.80 V; 3,5: E(1/2) = -1.78 V; 4: E(1/2) = -1.81 V : vs. ferrocenium/ferrocene {Fc(+)/Fc}, 0.1 M Bu(4)NPF(6)) in dichloromethane (DCM). These are some of the most negative half potentials for the {UO(2)}(2+)/{UO(2)}(+) couple observed to date and indicate the strong electron donating nature of the (salmnt((Et(2)N)(2)))(2-) ligand. Multiple uranyl redox processes are clearly seen for [UO(2)(salmnt((Et(2)N)(2)))(L)] in L (L = py, DMSO, DMF; 2-4: 0.1 M Bu(4)NPF(6)) indicating the relative instability of these complexes when competing ligands are present, but the reversible {UO(2)}(2+)/{UO(2)}(+) couple for the intact complexes can still be assigned and shows the position of this couple can be modulated by the solvation environment. Several redox processes were also observed between +0.2 and +1.2 V (vs. Fc(+)/Fc) that prove the redox active nature of the maleonitrile-containing ligand.     

Aqueous reactions of U(VI) at high chloride concentrations: syntheses and structures of new uranyl chloride polymers

The reactions of UO(3) with acidic aqueous chloride solutions resulted in the formation of two new polymeric U(VI) compounds. Single crystals of Cs(2)[(UO(2))(3)Cl(2)(IO(3))(OH)O(2)].2H(2)O (1) were formed under hydrothermal conditions with HIO(3) and CsCl, and Li(H(2)O)(2)[(UO(2))(2)Cl(3)(O)(H(2)O)] (2) was obtained from acidic LiCl solutions under ambient temperature and pressure. Both compounds contain pentagonal bipyramidal coordination of the uranyl dication, UO(2)(2+). The structure of 1 consists of infinite [(UO(2))(3)Cl(2)(IO(3))(mu(3)-OH)(mu(3)-O)(2)](2-) ribbons that run down the b axis that are formed from edge-sharing pentagonal bipyramidal [UO(6)Cl] and [UO(5)Cl(2)] units. The Cs(+) cations separate the chains from one another and form long ionic contacts with terminal oxygen atoms from iodate ligands, uranyl oxygen atoms, water molecules, and chloride anions. In 2, edge-sharing [UO(3)Cl(4)] and [UO(5)Cl(2)] units build up tetranuclear [(UO(2))(4)(mu-Cl)(6)(mu(3)-O)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2-) anions that are bridged by chloride to form one-dimensional chains. These chains are connected in a complex network of hydrogen bonds and interactions of uranyl oxygen atoms with Li(+) cations. Crystal data: 1, orthorhombic, space group Pnma, a = 8.2762(4) A, b = 12.4809(6) A, c = 17.1297(8) A, Z = 4; 2, triclinic, space group P1, a = 8.110(1) A, b = 8.621(1) A, c = 8.740(1) A, Z = 2.     

Raman spectroscopic study of the uranyl minerals vanmeersscheite U(OH)4[(UO2)3(PO4)2(OH)2].4H2O and arsenouranylite Ca(UO2)[(UO2)3(AsO4)2(OH)2].(OH)2.6H2O

Raman and infrared spectra of secondary uranyl phosphate vanmeersscheite and Raman spectrum of secondary uranyl arsenate arsenuranylite were recorded and interpreted, and the spectra related to the structure of the minerals. Observed bands were attributed to the stretching and bending vibrations of uranyl, phosphate and/or arsenate units and OH (H(2)O and OH(-)) units. Phosphuranylite sheet topology is characteristic for both minerals. U-O bond lengths in uranyl were calculated from the spectra and compared with those inferred for vanmeersscheite from the X-ray single crystal structure analysis. O-H...O hydrogen bonds in both minerals were also inferred using the Libowitzky empirical relation.     

Speciation and coordination chemistry of uranyl(VI)-citrate complexes in aqueous solution

The pH dependence of uranyl(VI) complexation by citric acid was investigated using Raman and attenuated total reflection FTIR spectroscopies and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. pH-dependent changes in the nu(s)(UO(2)) envelope indicate that three major UO(2)(2+)-citrate complexes with progressively increasing U=O bond lengths are present over a range of pH from 2.0 to 9.5. The first species, which is the predominant form of uranyl(VI) from pH 3.0 to 5.0, contains two UO(2)(2+) groups in spectroscopically equivalent coordination environments and corresponds to the [(UO(2))(2)Cit(2)](2)(-) complex known to exist in this pH range. At pH values >6.5, [(UO(2))(2)Cit(2)](2)(-) undergoes an interconversion to form [(UO(2))(3)Cit(3)](3)(-) and (UO(2))(3)Cit(2). ESI-MS studies on solutions of varying uranyl(VI)/citrate ratios, pH, and solution counteranion were successfully used to confirm complex stoichiometries. Uranyl and citrate concentrations investigated ranged from 0.50 to 50 mM.     

Minerals from Macedonia XXIII. Spectroscopic and structural characterization of schorl and beryl cyclosilicates

IR and Raman spectroscopy study on two collected cyclosilicate species: schorl (from tourmaline group), Na(Fe,Mg)(3)Al(6)(BO(3))(3)Si(6)O(18)(OH,F)(4) and beryl (Be,Mg,Fe)(3)Al(2)Si(6)O(18) were carried out. Although beryl is nominally anhydrous mineral, vibrational results strongly indicate that H(2)O molecules exist in the structural channels. The number of vibrational bands and their frequencies revealed the presence of H(2)O type II, in which C(2) symmetry axis of the water molecule is parallel to the structural channel (and to the c-axis of beryl). On the other hand, it was found that observed bands in the IR and Raman OH stretching region of the other tourmaline varieties appear as a result of the cation combinations involving dominant presence of Mg and Fe cations in the Y structural sites. The strong indication derived from the vibrational spectroscopic results that the studied mineral represents a schorl variety, coincide very well with the results obtained by powder X-ray diffraction and X-ray microprobe analysis. Both minerals show IR spectral similarities in the region below 1500 cm(-1), whereas the resemblance between the Raman spectra (1500-100 cm(-1)) is less expressed confirming that these spectra are more sensitive to compositional changes and to structural disorder. The identification of both minerals was additionally supported by studying the powder X-ray diffraction diagrams.     

Extending the chemistry of the uranyl ion: Lewis acid coordination to a U=O oxygen

Treatment of the thf adduct UO2(NCN)thf (NCN = [(Me3SiN)CPh(NSiMe3)]) (1) with 2 equiv of B(C6F5)3 provides UO{OB(C6F5)3}(NCN)2 (2) the first example of a neutral uranyl complex exhibiting Lewis basic behavior. The crystal structure of 2 shows a U=O-B interaction with an elongated U=O bond (1.898(3) A). Raman spectroscopy suggests weakening of the O=U=O bonding, giving the lowest reported symmetric stretching frequency for a monomeric uranyl complex, nu1 = 780 cm-1. The borane can be selectively removed using PMe3 to give the coordinatively unsaturated UO2(NCN)2 (3) or using tBuNC to provide UO2(CNBut)(NCN)2 (4), the first example of an isonitrile coordinated to uranium.     

Photocatalytic Oxidation of Aromatic Hydrocarbons

In acidic aqueous solutions UO(2)(2+) serves as a photocatalyst (lambda(irr) >/= 425 nm) for the oxidation of benzene by H(2)O(2). Under conditions where 50% of the excited state UO(2)(2+) is quenched by H(2)O(2) (k = 5.4 x 10(6) M(-)(1) s(-)(1)) and 50% by benzene (k = 2.9 x 10(8) M(-)(1) s(-)(1)), the quantum yield for the formation of phenol is 0.70. The yield does not change when benzene is replaced by benzene-d(6), but decreases by a factor of approximately 4 upon the change of solvent from H(2)O to D(2)O. Photocatalytic oxidation of toluene by UO(2)(2+)/H(2)O(2) produces PhCHO, PhCH(2)OH, and a mixture of cresols with a total quantum yield of 0.28 under conditions where 50% of UO(2)(2+) is quenched by H(2)O(2). The quenching of UO(2)(2+) by benzene and substituted benzenes takes place with k > 10(8) M(-)(1) s(-)(1). The system UO(2)(2+)/t-BuOOH/C(6)H(6)/hnu does not result in the oxidation of benzene, but instead yields methane and ethane.