The Energy Landscape of Uranyl–Peroxide Species

Nanoscale uranyl peroxide clusters containing UO₂²⁺ groups bonded through peroxide bridges to form polynuclear molecular species (polyoxometalates) exist both in solution and in the solid state. There is an extensive family of clusters containing 28 uranium atoms (U₂₈ clusters), with an encapsulated anion in the center, for example, [UO₂(O₂)_3?x(OH)_x^4?], [Nb(O₂)₄^3?], or [Ta(O₂)₄^3?]. The negative charge of these clusters is balanced by alkali ions, both encapsulated, and located exterior to the cluster. The present study reports measurement of enthalpy of formation for two such U₂₈ compounds, one of which is uranyl centered and the other is peroxotantalate centered. The [(Ta(O₂)₄]‐centered U₂₈ capsule is energetically more stable than the [(UO₂)(O₂)₃]‐centered capsule. These data, along with our prior studies on other uranyl–peroxide solids, are used to explore the energy landscape and define thermochemical trends in alkali–uranyl–peroxide systems. It was suggested that the energetic role of charge‐balancing alkali ions and their electrostatic interactions with the negatively charged uranyl–peroxide species is the dominant factor in defining energetic stability. These experimental data were supported by DFT calculations, which agree that the [(Ta(O₂)₄]‐centered U₂₈ capsule is more stable than the uranyl‐centered capsule. Moreover, the relative stability is controlled by the interactions of the encapsulated alkalis with the encapsulated anion. Thus, the role of alkali‐anion interactions was shown to be important at all length scales of uranyl–peroxide species: in both comparing clusters to clusters; and clusters to monomers or extended solids.     

Evolution of Actinyl Peroxide Clusters U28 in Dilute Electrolyte Solution: Exploring the Transition from Simple Ions to Macroionic Assemblies

Actinyl peroxide clusters, a unique class of uranyl‐containing nanoclusters discovered in recent years, are crucial intermediates between the (UO₂)²⁺ aqua‐ion monomer and bulk uranyl minerals. Herein, two actinyl polyoxometalate nanoclusters of Cs₁₅[(Ta(O₂)₄)Cs₄K₁₂(UO₂(O₂)_1.5)₂₈] ? 20 H₂O (CsK U₂₈ ) and Na₆K₉[(Ta(O₂)₄)Rb₄Na₁₂(UO₂(O₂)_1.5)₂₈] ? 20 H₂O (RbNa U₂₈ ) were synthesized by incorporating a central Ta(O₂)₄^3? anion that templates a hollow shell of 28 uranyl peroxide polyhedra. When dissolved in aqueous solutions with additional electrolytes, those 1.8 nm‐size macroanions self‐assembled into spherical, hollow, blackberry‐type supramolecular structures, as was characterized by laser‐light scattering (LLS) and TEM techniques. These clusters are the smallest macroions reported to date that form blackberry structures in solution, therefore, can be treated as valuable models for investigating the transition from simple ions to macroions. Kinetic studies showed an unusually long lag phase in the initial self‐assembly process, which is followed by a rapid formation of the blackberry structures in solution. The small cluster size and high surface‐charge density are essential in regulating the supramolecular structure formation, as was shown from the high activation energy barrier of 51.2±2 kJ mol^?1. Different countercations were introduced into the system to investigate the effect of ion binding to the length of the lag phase. The current research provides yet another scale of self‐assembly of uranyl peroxide complexes in aqueous media.     

Isolation of a Star‐Shaped Uranium(V/VI) Cluster from the Anaerobic Photochemical Reduction of Uranyl(VI)

Actinide oxo clusters are an important class of compounds due to their impact on actinide migration in the environment. The photolytic reduction of uranyl(VI) has potential application in catalysis and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing, but the intermediate species involved in this reduction have not yet been elucidated. Here we show that the photolysis of partially hydrated uranyl(VI) in anaerobic conditions leads to the reduction of uranyl(VI), and to the incorporation of the resulting U^V species into the stable mixed‐valent star‐shaped U^VI/U^V oxo cluster [U(UO₂)₅(μ₃‐O)₅(PhCOO)₅(Py)₇] ( 1 ). This cluster is only the second example of a U^VI/U^V cluster and the first one associating uranyl groups to a non‐uranyl(V) center. The U^V center in 1 is stable, while the reaction of uranyl(V) iodide with potassium benzoate leads to immediate disproportionation and formation of the U₁₂^IVU₄^VO₂₄ cluster {[K(Py)₂]₂[K(Py)]₂[U₁₆O₂₄(PhCOO)₂₄(Py)₂]} ( 5 ).     

Binuclear Uranium(VI) Complexes with a “Pacman” Expanded Porphyrin: Computational Evidence for Highly Unusual Bis‐Actinyl Structures

On the basis of uranyl complexes reacting with a polypyrrolic ligand (H₄L), we explored structures and reaction energies of a series of new binuclear uranium(VI) complexes using relativistic density functional theory. Full geometry optimizations on [(UO₂)₂(L)], in which two uranyl groups were initially placed into the pacman ligand cavity, led to two minimum‐energy structures. These complexes with cation–cation interactions (CCI) exhibit unusual coordination modes of uranyls: one is a T‐shaped ( T ) skeleton formed by two linear uranyls {O_exo?U₂?O_endo→U₁(?O_exo)₂}, and another is a butterfly‐like ( B ) unit with one linear uranyl coordinating side‐by‐side to a second cis‐uranyl. The CCI in T was confirmed by the calculated longest distance and lowest stretching vibrational frequency of U₂?O_endo among the four U?O bonds. Isomer B is more stable than T , for which experimental tetrameric analogues are known. The formation of B and T complexes from the mononuclear [(UO₂)(H₂L)(thf)] ( M ) was found to be endothermic. The further protonation and dehydration of B and T are thermodynamically favorable. As a possible product, we have found a trianglelike binuclear uranium(VI) complex having a O?U?O?U?O unit.     

Synthesis and structure of uranyl complexes with malonic acid dianions

The uranyl complexes with malonic acid dianions [UO₂(C₃H₂O₄)(CO(NH₂)₂)]·H₂O (1), [UO₂(C₃H₂O₄)(CONH₂NMe₂)]·H₂O (2), and [UO₂(C₃H₂O₄)(MeCONMe₂)] (3) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. The structural units [UO₂(C₃H₂O₄)L] in the crystals of 1–3 refer to the AK²¹M¹ crystal chemical group (A = UO₂ ²⁺, K²¹ = C₃H₂O₄ ^2?, M¹ = L) of uranyl complexes; the crystals of 1 have a framework structure and 2 and 3 have a chain structure. Some structural features of the [UO₂(C₃H₂O₄)L] complex groups are discussed.     

Structure of glutarate-containing uranyl coordination polymers with organic amides

Three new uranyl complexes [UO₂(C₅H₆O₄)(Meur)] (I), [UO₂(C₅H₆O₄)(Aa)] (II), and [(UO₂)₂(C₅H₆O₄)₂(Tmur)₂(H₂O)] ? H₂O (III), where C₅H₆O₄ ^2? is glutarate anion, Meur is methylcarmamide, Aa is acetamide, and Tmur is tetramethylcarbamide, have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction. 1D uranyl-glutarate complexes have been found in the structures of all compounds; in I and II their composition is [UO₂(C₅H₆O₄)(L)] and crystallographic formula is AQ²¹M¹ (where A = UO₂ ²⁺, Q²¹ = C₅H₆O₄ ^2-, and M¹ = L = Meur or Aa). In crystals III, chain complexes have the composition [(UO₂)₂(C₅H₆O₄)₂(Tmur)₂(H₂O)] and crystallographic formula A₂Q₂ ⁰²M₃ ¹ (where A = UO₂ ²⁺, Q⁰² = C₅H₄O₆ ^2-, and M¹ = Tmur or H₂O). All compounds were characterized by IR spectroscopy. Structural features of all known complexes of uranyl glutarate with neutral ligands have been discussed.     

Uranyl dinitrate trihydrate,UO2(NO3)2(H2O)3

The structure of the title compound, which has been synthesized by evaporation at 294 K, consists of centrosymmetric uranyl hexagonal bipyramids that share opposite equatorial edges with two nitrate triangles, resulting in two distinct finite clusters of composition [(UO₂)(H₂O)₂(NO₃)₂]. There are two unique symmetrically independent U^VI positions and two unique nitrate groups.     

Oxo–Group‐14‐Element Bond Formation in Binuclear Uranium(V) Pacman Complexes

Simple and versatile routes to the functionalization of uranyl‐derived U^V–oxo groups are presented. The oxo‐lithiated, binuclear uranium(V)–oxo complexes [{(py)₃LiOUO}₂(L)] and [{(py)₃LiOUO}(OUOSiMe₃)(L)] were prepared by the direct combination of the uranyl(VI) silylamide “ate” complex [Li(py)₂][(OUO)(N”)₃] (N”=N(SiMe₃)₂) with the polypyrrolic macrocycle H₄L or the mononuclear uranyl (VI) Pacman complex [UO₂(py)(H₂L)], respectively. These oxo‐metalated complexes display distinct U? O single and multiple bonding patterns and an axial/equatorial arrangement of oxo ligands. Their ready availability allows the direct functionalization of the uranyl oxo group leading to the binuclear uranium(V) oxo–stannylated complexes [{(R₃Sn)OUO}₂(L)] (R=nBu, Ph), which represent rare examples of mixed uranium/tin complexes. Also, uranium–oxo‐group exchange occurred in reactions with [TiCl(OiPr)₃] to form U‐O? C bonds [{(py)₃LiOUO}(OUOiPr)(L)] and [(iPrOUO)₂(L)]. Overall, these represent the first family of uranium(V) complexes that are oxo‐functionalised by Group 14 elements.     

Selective Permeability of Uranyl Peroxide Nanocages to Different Alkali Ions: Influences from Surface Pores and Hydration Shells

The precise guidance to different ions across the biological channels is essential for many biological processes. An artificial nanopore system will facilitate the study of the ion‐transport mechanism through nanosized channels and offer new views for designing nanodevices. Herein we reveal that a 2.5 nm‐sized, fullerene‐shaped molecular cluster Li_48+mK₁₂(OH)_m[UO₂(O₂)(OH)]_60?(H₂O)_n (m≈20 and n≈310) ( U₆₀ ) shows selective permeability to different alkali ions. The subnanometer pores on the water–ligand‐rich surface of U₆₀ are able to block Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ ions from passing through, while allowing Na⁺ and K⁺ ions, which possess larger hydrated sizes, to enter the interior space of U₆₀ . An interestingly high entropy gain during the binding process between U₆₀ and alkali ions suggests that the hydration shells of Na⁺/K⁺ and U₆₀ are damaged during the interaction. The ion selectivity of U₆₀ is greatly influenced by both the morphologies of the surface nanopores and the dynamics of the hydration shells.     

Framework Polymorphism and Modular Crystal Structures of Uranyl Vanadates of Divalent Cations: Synthesis and Characterization of M(UO2)(V2O7) (M = Ca,Sr) and Sr3(UO2)(V2O7)2

Uranyl vanadate compounds with divalent cations, M(UO₂)(V₂O₇) (M = Ca, Sr) and Sr₃(UO₂)(V₂O₇)₂, were synthesized by flux crystal growth, and their crystal structures were solved using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. Ca(UO₂)V₂O₇ and Sr(UO₂)V₂O₇ were synthesized from reactants with molar ratios M:U:V of 1:1:2 and identical heating conditions, and increasing the M:U:V ratio to 3:1:4 resulted in Sr₃(UO₂)(V₂O₇)₂. Crystallographic data for M(UO₂)V₂O₇ compounds are: a = 7.1774(18) Å, b = 6.7753(17) Å, c = 8.308(2) Å; V = 404.01(18) ų; space group Pmn2₁, Z = 2 for Ca; a = 13.4816(11) Å, b = 7.3218(6) Å, c = 8.4886(7) Å; V = 837.91(12) ų; space group Pnma, Z = 4 for Sr. Compound Sr₃(UO₂)(V₂O₇)₂ has a = 6.891(3) Å, b = 7.171(3) Å, c = 14.696(6) Å, α = 85.201(4)?, β = 78.003(4)?, γ = 89.188(4)?; V = 707.9(5) ų; space group P1 , Z = 2. The framework structure of Sr(UO₂)(V₂O₇) is related to that of Pb(UO₂)(V₂O₇) reported previously, while that of Ca(UO₂)(V₂O₇) has a different topology. The topological polymorphism of the [(UO₂)(V₂O₇)]‐type framework may be due to the differing ionic radii of the guest M²⁺ cations. Compound Sr₃(UO₂)(V₂O₇)₂ has a modular structure based on two different types of electroneutral layers: [Sr(UO₂)(V₂O₇)] and [Sr₂(V₂O₇)]. Structural complexities were calculated, and Raman spectra were collected and their peaks were assigned.     

Structural Observations of Heterometallic Uranyl Copper(II) Carboxylates and Their Solid‐State Topotactic Transformation upon Dehydration

The hydrothermal reactions of uranyl nitrate and metallic copper with aromatic polycarboxylic acids gave rise to the formation of five heterometallic UO₂²⁺? Cu²⁺ coordination polymers: (UO₂)Cu(H₂O)₂(1,2‐bdc)₂ ( 1 ; 1,2‐bdc=phthalate), (UO₂)Cu(H₂O)₂(btec) ? 4 H₂O ( 2 ) and (UO₂)Cu(btec) ( 2′ ; btec=pyromellitate), (UO₂)₂Cu(H₂O)₄(mel) ( 3 ; mel=mellitate), and (UO₂)₂O(OH)₂Cu(H₂O)₂(1,3‐bdc) ? H₂O ( 4 ; 1,3‐bdc=isophthlalate). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of compound 1 revealed 2D layers of chains of UO₈ and CuO₄(H₂O)₂ units that were connected through the phthalate ligands. In compound 2 , these sheets were connected to each other through the two additional carboxylate arms of the pyromellitate, thus resulting in a 3D open‐framework with 1D channels that trapped water molecules. Upon heating, free and bonded water species (from Cu? OH₂) were evacuated from the structure. This thermal transition was followed by in situ XRD and IR spectroscopy. Heating induced a solid‐state topotactic transformation with the formation of a new set of Cu? O interactions in the crystalline anhydrous structure ( 2′ ), in order to keep the square‐planar environment around the copper centers. The structure of compound 3 was built up from trinuclear motifs, in which one copper center, CuO₄(OH₂)₂, was linked to two uranium units, UO₅(H₂O)₂. The assembly of this trimer, “U₂Cu”, with the mellitate generated a 3D network. Complex 4 contained a tetranuclear uranyl core of UO₅(OH)₂ and UO₆(OH) units that were linked to two copper centers, CuO(OH)₂(H₂O)₂, which were then connected to each other through isophthalate ligands and U?O? Cu interactions to create a 3D structure. The common structural feature of these different compounds is a bridging oxo group of U?O? Cu type, which is reflected by apical Cu? O distances in the range 2.350(3)–2.745(5) Å. In the case of a shorter Cu? O distance, a slight lengthening of the uranyl bond (U?O) is observed (e.g., 1.805(3) Å in complex 4 ).     

Low‐Dimensional Structural Units in Amine‐Templated Uranyl Oxoselenates(VI): Synthesis and Crystal Structures of [C3H12N2][(UO2)(SeO4)2(H2O)2](H2O), [C5H16N2]2[(UO2)(SeO4)2(H2O)](NO3)2, [C4H12N][(UO2)(SeO4)(NO3)], and [C4H14N2][(UO2)(SeO4)2(H2O)]

The crystals of four amine‐templated uranyl oxoselenates(VI), [C₃H₁₂N₂][(UO₂)(SeO₄)₂(H₂O)₂](H₂O) ( 1 ), [C₅H₁₆N₂]₂[(UO₂)(SeO₄)₂(H₂O)](NO₃)₂ ( 2 ), [C₄H₁₂N][(UO₂)(SeO₄)(NO₃)] ( 3 ), and [C₄H₁₄N₂][(UO₂)(SeO₄)₂(H₂O)] ( 4 ) were prepared by evaporation from aqueous solution of uranyl nitrate, selenic acid and the respective amine. The crystal structures of all four compounds have been solved by direct methods from X‐ray diffraction data. The structure of 1 (triclinic, , a = 7.5611(16), b = 7.7650(17), c = 12.925(3) Å, α = 94.605(18), β = 94.405(17), γ = 96.470(17)°, V = 748.8(3) ų, R₁ = 0.029 for 2769 unique observed reflections) is based upon 0D‐units of the composition [(UO₂)₂(SeO₄)₄(H₂O)₄]^4?. These discrete units are composed from two pentagonal [UO₇]^8? bipyramids linked via [SeO₄]^2? tetrahedra and are unknown in structural chemistry of uranium so far. The structure of 2 (monoclinic, C2/c, a = 28.916(5), b = 8.0836(10), c = 11.9856(16) Å, β = 110.909(11)°, V = 2617.1(6) ų, R₁ = 0.035 for 2578 unique observed reflections) contains [(UO₂)(SeO₄)₂(H₂O)]^2? chains of corner‐sharing pentagonal [UO₇]^8? bipyramids and [SeO₄]^2? tetrahedra. The chains run parallel to the c axis and are arranged into layers parallel to (100). In the structure of 3 (monoclinic, C2/m, a = 21.244(5), b = 7.1092(11), c = 8.6581(18) Å, β = 97.693(17)°, V = 1295.8(4) ų, R₁ = 0.027 for 1386 unique observed reflections), pentagonal [UO₇]^8? bipyramids share corners with three [SeO₄]^2? tetrahedra each and an edge with a [NO₃]^? anion to form [(UO₂)(SeO₄)(NO₃)]^? chains parallel to the b axis. In the structure of 4 (triclinic, , a = 6.853(2), b = 10.537(3), c = 10.574(3) Å, α = 99.62(3), β = 94.45(3), γ = 100.52(3)°, V = 735.6(4) ų, R₁ = 0.045 for 2713 unique observed reflections), one symmetrically independent pentagonal [UO₇]^8? bipyramid shares corners with four [SeO₄]^2? tetrahedra to form the [(UO₂)(SeO₄)₂(H₂O)]^2? chains parallel to the a axis. A comparison to related uranyl compounds is given.     

Polymorphism in Alkali Metal Uranyl Nitrates: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of γ‐K(UO2)(NO3)3

Single crystals of γ‐K(UO₂)(NO₃)₃ were prepared from aqueous solutions by evaporation. The crystal structure [orthorhombic, Pbca (61), a = 9.2559(3) Å, b = 12.1753(3) Å, c = 15.8076(5) Å, V = 1781.41(9) Å³, Z = 8] was determined by direct methods and refined to R₁ = 0.0267 on the basis of 3657 unique observed reflections. The structure is composed of isolated anionic uranyl trinitrate units, [(UO₂)(NO₃)₃]^–, that are linked through eleven‐coordinated K⁺ cations. Both known polymorphs of K(UO₂)(NO₃)₃ (α‐ and γ‐phases) can be considered as based upon sheets of isolated complex [(UO₂)(NO₃)₃]^– ions separated by K⁺ cations. The existence of polymorphism in the two K[UO₂(NO₃)₃] polymorphs is due to the different packing modes of uranyl trinitrate clusters that adopt the same two‐dimensional but different three‐dimensional arrangements.     

(Dibenzyl sulfoxide‐κO)bis(1,3‐diphenylpropane‐1,3‐dionato‐κ2O,O′)dioxouranium(VI)

In the title compound, [UO₂(C₁₅H₁₁O₂)₂(C₁₄H₁₄OS)], the U^VI atom is coordinated by seven O atoms in a distorted pentagonal–bipyramidal geometry. Both di­phenyl­propane‐1,3‐dionate systems are nearly planar. The sulfoxide moiety is in a distorted tetrahedral geometry, while its two aromatic rings are nearly orthogonal to one another. The crystal packing is stabilized by two bifurcated hydrogen‐bonding interactions involving both uranyl O atoms.     

Dioxouranium Complexes with Acetylpyridine Benzoylhydrazones and Related Ligands

Acetylpyridine benzoylhydrazone and related ligands react with common dioxouranium(VI) compounds such as uranyl nitrate or [NBu₄]₂[UO₂Cl₄] to form air‐stable complexes. Reactions with 2, 6‐diacetylpyridinebis(benzoylhydrazone) (H₂L^1a) or 2, 6‐diacetylpyridinebis(salicylhydrazone) (H₂L^1b) give yellow products of the composition [UO₂(L¹)]. The neutral compounds contain doubly deprotonated ligands and possess a distorted pentagonal‐bipyramidal structure. The hydroxo groups of the salicylhydrazonato ligand do not contribute to the complexation of the metal. The equatorial coordination spheres of the complexes can be extended by the addition of a monodentate ligand such as pyridine or DMSO. The uranium atoms in the resulting deep‐red complexes have hexagonal‐bipyramidal coordination environments with the oxo ligands in axial positions. The sterical strains inside the hexagonal plane can be reduced when two tridentate benzoylhydrazonato ligands are used instead of the pentadentate 2, 6‐diacetylpyridine derivatives. Acetylpyridine benzoylhydrazone (HL²) and bis(2‐pyridyl)ketone benzoylhydrazone (HL³) deprotonate and form neutral, red [UO₂(L)₂] complexes. The equatorial coordination spheres of these complexes are puckered hexagons. X‐ray diffraction studies on [UO₂(L^1a)(pyridine)], [UO₂(L^1b)(DMSO)], [UO₂(L²)₂] and [UO₂(L³)₂] show relatively short U—O bonds to the benzoylic oxygen atoms between 2.328(6) and 2.389(8) Å. This suggests a preference of these donor sites of the ligands over their imino and amine functionalities (U—N bond lengths: 2.588(7)—2.701(6) Å ).     

Chemistry of the CARBEX process: Identification of absorption bands of the ligands in the electronic spectra of aqueous solutions of Na<Subscript>4</Subscript>[UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(O<Subscript>2</Subscript>)CO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]

On the basis of consideration of dissociation, hydration, association, and ligand exchange, the assignment of absorption bands in the electronic spectra of aqueous solutions of the Na₄[UO₂(O₂)CO₃)₂] complex has been performed. It has been demonstrated that the absorption in the range 190–400 nm is caused by the oxygen atoms of the O₂^2- and CO₃^2- groups and hydration water molecules of dissociated and neutral complex species Na₃[UO₂(O₂)(CO₃)₂]^–, Na₂[UO₂(O₂)(CO₃)₂]^2–, and Na₄[UO₂(O₂)(CO₃)₂].     

Modulation of the unpaired spin localization in Pentavalent Uranyl Complexes

The electronic structure of various complexes of pentavalent uranyl species, namely UO₂⁺, is described, using DFT methods, with the aim of understanding how the structure of the ligands may influence the localisation of the unpaired 5f electron of uranium (V) and, finally, the stability of such complexes towards oxidation. Six complexes have been inspected: [UO₂py₅]⁺ (1), [(UO₂py₅)KI₂] (2), [UO₂(salan-^tBu₂)(py)K] (3), [UO₂(salophen-^tBu₂)(thf)K] (4), [UO₂(salen-^tBu₂)(py)K] (5), [and UO₂-cyclo[6]pyrrole]^1? (6), chosen to explore various ligands. In the five first complexes, the UO₂⁺ species is well identified with the unpaired electron localized on the 5f uranium orbital. Additionally, for the salan, salen and salophen ligands, some covalent interactions have been observed, resulting from the presence of both donor and acceptor binding sites. In contrast, the last complex is best described by a UO₂²⁺ uranyl (VI) coordinated by the anionic radical cyclopyrrole, the highly delocalized π orbitals set stabilizing the radical behaviour of this ligand.     

A uranyl sulfate cluster in Na10[(UO2)(SO4)4](SO4)2·3H2O

Decasodium uranyl hexa­sulfate trihydrate, Na₁₀[(UO₂)(SO₄)₄](SO₄)₂·3H₂O, contains an unusual uranyl sulfate cluster with the composition [(UO₂)(SO₄)₄]^6?. The cluster is composed of a uranyl pentagonal bipyramid and four sulfate tetrahedra. Three sulfate tetrahedra are linked to the uranyl pentagonal bipyramid by the sharing of vertices, and the other shares an equatorial edge of the uranyl pentagonal bipyramid. The uranyl sulfate clusters occur in layers parallel to (010). The structure also contains two isolated symmetrically distinct sulfate tetrahedra, which also occur in layers parallel to (010). The uranyl sulfate clusters and isolated sulfate tetrahedra are linked through bonds to Na⁺ cations, and by hydrogen bonding involving the water molecules.     

Subtle Interactions and Electron Transfer between UIII,NpIII, or PuIII and Uranyl Mediated by the Oxo Group

A dramatic difference in the ability of the reducing An^III center in AnCp₃ (An=U, Np, Pu; Cp=C₅H₅) to oxo‐bind and reduce the uranyl(VI) dication in the complex [(UO₂)(THF)(H₂L)] (L=“Pacman” Schiff‐base polypyrrolic macrocycle), is found and explained. These are the first selective functionalizations of the uranyl oxo by another actinide cation. At‐first contradictory electronic structural data are explained by combining theory and experiment. Complete one‐electron transfer from Cp₃U forms the U^IV‐uranyl(V) compound that behaves as a U^V‐localized single molecule magnet below 4 K. The extent of reduction by the Cp₃Np group upon oxo‐coordination is much less, with a Np^III‐uranyl(VI) dative bond assigned. Solution NMR and NIR spectroscopy suggest Np^IVU^V but single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and SQUID magnetometry suggest a Np^III‐U^VI assignment. DFT‐calculated Hirshfeld charge and spin density analyses suggest half an electron has transferred, and these explain the strongly shifted NMR spectra by spin density contributions at the hydrogen nuclei. The Pu^III–U^VI interaction is too weak to be observed in THF solvent, in agreement with calculated predictions.     

Subtle Interactions and Electron Transfer between UIII,NpIII, or PuIII and Uranyl Mediated by the Oxo Group

A dramatic difference in the ability of the reducing An^III center in AnCp₃ (An=U, Np, Pu; Cp=C₅H₅) to oxo‐bind and reduce the uranyl(VI) dication in the complex [(UO₂)(THF)(H₂L)] (L=“Pacman” Schiff‐base polypyrrolic macrocycle), is found and explained. These are the first selective functionalizations of the uranyl oxo by another actinide cation. At‐first contradictory electronic structural data are explained by combining theory and experiment. Complete one‐electron transfer from Cp₃U forms the U^IV‐uranyl(V) compound that behaves as a U^V‐localized single molecule magnet below 4 K. The extent of reduction by the Cp₃Np group upon oxo‐coordination is much less, with a Np^III‐uranyl(VI) dative bond assigned. Solution NMR and NIR spectroscopy suggest Np^IVU^V but single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and SQUID magnetometry suggest a Np^III‐U^VI assignment. DFT‐calculated Hirshfeld charge and spin density analyses suggest half an electron has transferred, and these explain the strongly shifted NMR spectra by spin density contributions at the hydrogen nuclei. The Pu^III–U^VI interaction is too weak to be observed in THF solvent, in agreement with calculated predictions.