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.     

Metal-controlled assembly of uranyl diphosphonates toward the design of functional uranyl nanotubules

Two uranyl nanotubules with elliptical cross sections were synthesized in high yield from complex and large oxoanions using hydrothermal reactions of uranyl salts with 1,4-benzenebisphosphonic acid or 4,4'-biphenylenbisphosphonic acid and Cs(+) or Rb(+) cations in the presence of hydrofluoric acid. Disordered Cs(+)/Rb(+) cations and solvent molecules are present within and/or between the nanotubules. Ion-exchange experiments with A(2){(UO(2))(2)F(PO(3)HC(6)H(4)C(6)H(4)PO(3)H)(PO(3)HC(6)H(4)C(6)H(4)PO(3))}·2H(2)O (A = Cs(+), Rb(+)), revealed that A(+) cations can be exchanged for Ag(+) ions. The uranyl phenyldiphosphonate nanotubules, Cs(3.62)H(0.38)[(UO(2))(4){C(6)H(4)(PO(2)OH)(2)}(3){C(6)H(4)(PO(3))(2)}F(2)]·nH(2)O, show high stability and exceptional ion-exchange properties toward monovalent cations, as demonstrated by ion-exchange studies with selected cations, Na(+), K(+), Tl(+), and Ag(+). Studies on ion-exchanged single crystal using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) provide evidence for chemical zonation in Cs(3.62)H(0.38)[(UO(2))(4){C(6)H(4)(PO(2)OH)(2)}(3){C(6)H(4)(PO(3))(2)}F(2)]·nH(2)O, as might be expected for exchange through a diffusion mechanism.     

Structural units in three uranyl perrhenates

Three uranyl perrhenates have been synthesized, and their structures have been determined. (UO2)2(ReO4)4(H2O)3 (1) is triclinic, space group P, a=5.2771(7), b=13.100(2), c=15.476(2) A, alpha=107.180(2), beta=99.131(3), gamma=94.114(2) degrees, V=1001.12 A3, Z=2. [(UO2)4(ReO4)2O(OH)4(H2O)7](H2O)5 (2) is also triclinic, space group P, a=7.884(1), b=11.443(2), c=16.976(2) A, alpha=83.195(4), beta=89.387(4), gamma=85.289(4) degrees, V=1515.70 A3, Z=2. Na(UO2)(ReO4)3(H2O)2 (3) is monoclinic, space group C2/m, a=12.311(3), b=22.651(6), c=5.490(1) A, beta=109.366(6) degrees, V=1444.24 A3, Z=4. These compounds are the first structurally characterized uranyl perrhenates that do not contain organic ligands. In each structure, perrhenate groups coordinate uranyl ions at the equatorial vertices of pentagonal bipyramids. 1 contains complex chains of uranyl pentagonal bipyramids that are bridged by vertex sharing with perrhenate groups. The structural units in 2 and 3 consist of three novel finite clusters that include the coordination of uranyl ions with perrhenate. In general, weakly coordinating ligands such as perchlorate, perrhenate, and pertechnetate are assumed not to form stable complexes with uranyl in solutions or solids. The current findings, together with other recently reported studies, indicate each of these ligands can coordinate uranyl, and novel structure types result.     

Self-assembly of a polar open-framework uranyl vanadyl hexaoxoiodate(VII) constructed entirely from distorted octahedral building units in the first uranium hexaoxoiodate: K2[(UO2)2(VO)2(IO6)2O].H2O

The reaction of UO(3) with V(2)O(5) and KIO(4) under mild hydrothermal conditions produces K(2)[(UO(2))(2)(VO)(2)(IO(6))(2)O].H(2)O (1) in the form of orange acicular crystals. The structure of 1 consists of UO(6), VO(6), and IO(6) distorted octahedra that are assembled into a polar, open-framework structure. The distorted VO(6) and IO(6) octahedra edge-share to form chains that run down the c-axis. Each VO(6) octahedron also shares a vertex with an adjacent vanadium atom to link the chains together into a ribbon. The IO(6) units also partake in corner-sharing with the UO(6) units to create interconnected elliptical tubes. The major channels in 1 are filled with K(+) cations and water molecules. The polarity of this compound is caused by alignment of distorted vanadyl hexaoxoiodate ribbons and UO(6) trapezoidal bipyramids resulting in a large second-harmonic generation response of 300 times that of alpha-quartz. Crystallographic data: 1, orthorhombic, space group Pba2, a = 9.984(2) A, b = 16.763(3) A, c = 4.977(1) A, Z = 4 (T = 193 K).     

Novel dinuclear uranyl complexes with asymmetric schiff base ligands: synthesis, structural characterization, reactivity, and extraction studies

The reaction of uranyl nitrate with asymmetric [3O, N] Schiff base ligands in the presence of base yields dinuclear uranyl complexes, [UO2(HL1)]2.DMF (1), [UO2(HL2)]2.2DMF.H2O (2), and [UO2(HL3)]2.2DMF (3) with 3-(2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)propane-1,2-diol (H3L1), 4-((2,3-dihydroxypropylimino)methyl)benzene-1,3-diol (H3L2), and 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)propane-1,2-diol (H3L3), respectively. All complexes exhibit a symmetric U2O2 core featuring a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometry around each uranyl center. The hydroxyl groups on the ligands are attached to the uranyl ion in chelating, bridging, and coordinate covalent bonds. Distortion in the backbone is more pronounced in 1, where the phenyl groups are on the same side of the planar U2O2 core. The phenyl groups are present on the opposite side of U2O2 core in 2 and 3 due to electronic and steric effects. A similar hydrogen-bonding pattern is observed in the solid-state structures of 1 and 3 with terminal hydroxyl groups and DMF molecules, resulting in discrete molecules. Free aryl hydroxyl groups and water molecules in 2 give rise to a two-dimensional network with water molecules in the channels of an extended corrugated sheet structure. Compound 1 in the presence of excess Ag(NO3) yields {[(UO2)(NO3)(C6H4OCOO)](NH(CH2CH3)3)}2 (4), where the geometry around the uranyl center is hexagonal bipyrimidal. Two-phase extraction studies of uranium from aqueous media employing H3L3 indicate 99% reduction of uranyl ion at higher pH.     

Excision of uranium oxide chains and ribbons in the novel one-dimensional uranyl iodates K(2)[(UO(2))3(IO(3))(4)O(2)] and Ba[(UO(2)2(IO(3))(2)O(2)](H(2)O)

The alkali metal and alkaline-earth metal uranyl iodates K(2)[(UO(2))(3)(IO(3))(4)O(2)] and Ba[(UO(2))(2)(IO(3))(2)O(2)](H(2)O) have been prepared from the hydrothermal reactions of KCl or BaCl(2) with UO(3) and I(2)O(5) at 425 and 180 degrees C, respectively. While K(2)[(UO(2))(3)(IO(3))(4)O(2)] can be synthesized under both mild and supercritical conditions, the yield increases from <5% to 73% as the temperature is raised from 180 to 425 degrees C. Ba[(UO(2))(2)(IO(3))(2)O(2)](H(2)O), however, has only been isolated from reactions performed in the mild temperature regime. Thermal measurements (DSC) indicate that K(2)[(UO(2))(3)(IO(3))(4)O(2)] is more stable than Ba[(UO(2))(2)(IO(3))(2)O(2)](H(2)O) and that both compounds decompose through thermal disproportionation at 579 and 575 degrees C, respectively. The difference in the thermal behavior of these compounds provides a basis for the divergence of their preparation temperatures. The structure of K(2)[(UO(2))(3)(IO(3))(4)O(2)] is composed of [(UO(2))(3)(IO(3))(4)O(2)](2)(-) chains built from the edge-sharing UO(7) pentagonal bipyramids and UO(6) octahedra. Ba[(UO(2))(2)(IO(3))(2)O(2)](H(2)O) consists of one-dimensional [(UO(2))(2)(IO(3))(2)O(2)](2)(-) ribbons formed from the edge sharing of distorted UO(7) pentagonal bipyramids. In both compounds the iodate groups occur in both bridging and monodentate binding modes and further serve to terminate the edges of the uranium oxide chains. The K(+) or Ba(2+) cations separate the chains or ribbons in these compounds forming bonds with terminal oxygen atoms from the iodate ligands. Crystallographic data: K(2)[(UO(2))(3)(IO(3))(4)O(2)], triclinic, space group P_1, a = 7.0372(5) A, b = 7.7727(5) A, c = 8.9851(6) A, alpha = 93.386(1) degrees, beta = 105.668(1) degrees, gamma = 91.339(1) degrees, Z = 1; Ba[(UO(2))(2)(IO(3))(2)O(2)](H(2)O), monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, a = 8.062(4) A, b = 6.940(3) A, c = 21.67(1), beta= 98.05(1) degrees, Z = 4.     

Expanding the crystal chemistry of actinyl peroxides: open sheets of uranyl polyhedra in Na5[(UO2)3(O2)4(OH)3](H2O)13

A uranyl peroxide, Na5[(UO2)3(O2)4(OH)3](H2O)13, with an open sheet of uranyl polyhedra has been synthesized under ambient conditions and structurally characterized. The structure (orthorombic, Cmca, a = 23.632(1) A, b = 15.886(1) A, c = 13.952(1) A, V = 5237.7 A(3), and Z = 8) consists of sheets composed of two symmetrically unique uranyl (UO2)2+ ions that are coordinated equatorially by two peroxide groups and two OH(-) groups, forming distorted uranyl hexagonal bipyramids of composition (UO2)(O2)2(OH)2(4-). The uranyl bipyramids are connected into sheets with openings with dimensions 13.7 A along [010] and 15.9 A along [100]. The shortest dimension of the cavity is 8.08 A. Sheets of two-dimensionally polymerized uranyl polyhedra are the most common structural type of inorganic uranyl phases; however, such an open topology has never been observed.     

Dimeric uranyl complexes with bridging perrhenates

The reaction between [UO2(ReO4)2.H(2)O] and two equivalents of either tri-n-butyl phosphine oxide (TBPO) or tri-iso-butyl phosphate (TiBP) results in the formation of [UO2(mu2-ReO4)(ReO4)(TBPO)2]2 (1) and [UO2(mu2-ReO4)(ReO4)(TiBP)2]2 (2) respectively. Both complexes crystallise as two structurally similar centrosymmetric dimers, the cores containing two uranyl moieties linked by bridging perrhenates. Two P=O donor ligands and one monodenatate perrhenate complete the pentagonal bipyramidal coordination sphere at each metal centre. Both complexes have also been characterised in the solid state by vibrational and absorption spectroscopy. Solution spectroscopic characterisation indicates that both perrhenate and phosphine oxide (1) or phosphate (2) remain coordinated, although it is not possible to state conclusively that the dimeric species remain intact. A low resolution structural study of a minor product from the reaction that yielded revealed a monomeric complex with only monodentate perrhenate coordination, [UO2(ReO4)2(H2O)(TiBP)2] (2'). These results represent the first structural evidence for the bridging coordination mode of perrhenate on coordination to an actinide and yields further insight into the possible solvent phase pertechnetate complexes that may exist in PUREX process phosphate rich solvent.     

Synthesis and characterization of uranyl compounds with iminodiacetate and oxydiacetate displaying variable denticity

Eight uranyl compounds containing the dicarboxylate ligands iminodiacetate (IDA) or oxydiacetate (ODA) have been characterized in the solid state. The published polymeric structures for [UO(2)(C(4)H(6)NO(4))(2)] and [UO(2)(C(4)H(4)O(5))](n) have been confirmed, while Ba[UO(2)(C(4)H(5)NO(4))(2)] x 3H(2)O, [(CH(3))(2)NH(CH(2))(2)NH(CH(3))(2)][UO(2)(C(4)H(4)O(5))(2)] [orthorhombic space group Pnma, a = 10.996(5) A, b = 21.42(1) A, c = 8.700(3) A, Z = 4], and [C(2)H(5)NH(2)(CH(2))(2)NH(2)C(2)H(5)][UO(2)(C(4)H(4)O(5))(2)] [monoclinic space group P2(1)/n, a = 6.857(3) A, b = 9.209(5) A, c = 16.410(7) A, beta = 91.69(3), Z = 2] contain monomeric anions. The distance from the uranium atom to the central heteroatom (O or N) in the ligand varies. Crystallographic study shows that U-heteroatom (O/N) distances fall into two groups, one 2.6-2.7 A in length and one 3.1-3.2 A, the latter implying no bonding interaction. By contrast, EXAFS analysis of bulk samples suggests that either a long U-heteroatom (O/N) distance (2.9 A) or a range of distances may be present. Three possible structural types, two symmetric and one asymmetric, are identified on the basis of these results and on solid-state (13)C NMR spectroscopy. The two ligands in the complex can be 1,4,7-tridentate, giving five-membered rings, or 1,7-bidentate, to form an eight-membered ring. (C(4)H(12)N(2))[(UO(2))(2)(C(4)H(5)NO(4))(2)(OH)(2)] x 8H(2)O [monoclinic space group P2(1)/a, a = 7.955(9) A, b = 24.050(8) A, c = 8.223(6) A, beta = 112.24(6), Z = 2], (C(2)H(10)N(2))[(UO(2))(2)(C(4)H(5)NO(4))(2)(OH)(2)] x 4H(2)O, and (C(6)H(13)N(4))(2)[(UO(2))(2)(C(4)H(4)O(5))(2)(OH)(2)] x 2H(2)O [monoclinic space group C2/m, a = 19.024(9) A, b = 7.462(4) A, c = 2.467(6) A, beta = 107.75(4), Z = 4] have a dimeric structure with two capping tridentate ligands and two mu(2)-hydroxo bridges, giving edge-sharing pentagonal bipyramids.     

Hydrothermal syntheses, structures, and properties of the new uranyl selenites Ag(2)(UO(2))(SeO(3))(2), M[(UO(2))(HSeO(3))(SeO(3))] (M = K, Rb, Cs, Tl), and Pb(UO(2))(SeO(3))(2)

The transition metal, alkali metal, and main group uranyl selenites, Ag(2)(UO(2))(SeO(3))(2) (1), K[(UO(2))(HSeO(3))(SeO(3))] (2), Rb[(UO(2))(HSeO(3))(SeO(3))] (3), Cs[(UO(2))(HSeO(3))(SeO(3))] (4), Tl[(UO(2))(HSeO(3))(SeO(3))] (5), and Pb(UO(2))(SeO(3))(2) (6), have been prepared from the hydrothermal reactions of AgNO(3), KCl, RbCl, CsCl, TlCl, or Pb(NO(3))(2) with UO(3) and SeO(2) at 180 degrees C for 3 d. The structures of 1-5 contain similar [(UO(2))(SeO(3))(2)](2-) sheets constructed from pentagonal bipyramidal UO(7) units that are joined by bridging SeO(3)(2-) anions. In 1, the selenite oxo ligands that are not utilized within the layers coordinate the Ag(+) cations to create a three-dimensional network structure. In 2-5, half of the selenite ligands are monoprotonated to yield a layer composition of [(UO(2))(HSeO(3))(SeO(3))](1-), and coordination of the K(+), Rb(+), Cs(+), and Tl(+) cations occurs through long ionic contacts. The structure of 6 contains a uranyl selenite layered substructure that differs substantially from those in 1-5 because the selenite anions adopt both bridging and chelating binding modes to the uranyl centers. Furthermore, the Pb(2+) cations form strong covalent bonds with these anions creating a three-dimensional framework. These cations occur as distorted square pyramidal PbO(5) units with stereochemically active lone pairs of electrons. These polyhedra align along the c-axis to create a polar structure. Second-harmonic generation (SHG) measurements revealed a response of 5x alpha-quartz for 6. The diffuse reflectance spectrum of 6 shows optical transitions at 330 and 440 nm. The trailing off of the 440 nm transition to longer wavelengths is responsible for the orange coloration of 6.     

Steric effects on uranyl complexation: synthetic, structural, and theoretical studies of carbamoyl pyrazole compounds of the uranyl(VI) ion

New bifunctional pyrazole based ligands of the type [C(3)HR(2)N(2)CONR'] (where R = H or CH(3); R' = CH(3), C(2)H(5), or (i)C(3)H(7)) were prepared and characterized. The coordination chemistry of these ligands with uranyl nitrate and uranyl bis(dibenzoyl methanate) was studied with infrared (IR), (1)H NMR, electrospray-mass spectrometry (ES-MS), elemental analysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The structure of compound [UO(2)(NO(3))(2)(C(3)H(3)N(2)CON{C(2)H(5)}(2))] (2) shows that the uranium(VI) ion is surrounded by one nitrogen atom and seven oxygen atoms in a hexagonal bipyramidal geometry with the ligand acting as a bidentate chelating ligand and bonds through both the carbamoyl oxygen and pyrazolyl nitrogen atoms. In the structure of [UO(2)(NO(3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)(C(5)H(7)N(2)CON {C(2)H(5)}(2))(2)], (5) the pyrazole ligand acts as a second sphere ligand and hydrogen bonds to the water molecules through carbamoyl oxygen and pyrazolyl nitrogen atoms. The structure of [UO(2)(DBM)(2)C(3)H(3)N(2)CON{C(2)H(5)}(2)] (8) (where DBM = C(6)H(5)COCHCOC(6)H(5)) shows that the pyrazole ligand acts as a monodentate ligand and bonds through the carbamoyl oxygen to the uranyl group. The ES-MS spectra of 2 and 8 show that the ligand is similarly bonded to the metal ion in solution. Ab initio quantum chemical studies show that the steric effect plays the key role in complexation behavior.     

Cation-cation complexes of pentavalent uranyl: from disproportionation intermediates to stable clusters

Three new cation-cation complexes of pentavalent uranyl, stable with respect to the disproportionation reaction, have been prepared from the reaction of the precursor [(UO(2)py(5))(KI(2)py(2))](n) (1) with the Schiff base ligands salen(2-), acacen(2-), and salophen(2-) (H(2)salen = N,N'-ethylene-bis(salicylideneimine), H(2)acacen = N,N'-ethylenebis(acetylacetoneimine), H(2)salophen = N,N'-phenylene-bis(salicylideneimine)). The preparation of stable complexes requires a careful choice of counter ions and reaction conditions. Notably the reaction of 1 with salophen(2-) in pyridine leads to immediate disproportionation, but in the presence of [18]crown-6 ([18]C-6) a stable complex forms. The solid-state structure of the four tetranuclear complexes, {[UO(2)(acacen)](4)[μ(8)-](2)[K([18]C-6)(py)](2)} (3) and {[UO(2)(acacen)](4)[μ(8)-]}?2?[K([222])(py)] (4), {[UO(2)(salophen)](4)[μ(8)-K](2)[μ(5)-KI](2)[(K([18]C-6)]}?2?[K([18]C-6)(thf)(2)]?2?I (5), and {[UO(2)(salen)(4)][μ(8)-Rb](2)[Rb([18]C-6)](2)} (9) ([222] = [222]cryptand, py = pyridine), presenting a T-shaped cation-cation interaction has been determined by X-ray crystallographic studies. NMR spectroscopic and UV/Vis studies show that the tetranuclear structure is maintained in pyridine solution for the salen and acacen complexes. Stable mononuclear complexes of pentavalent uranyl are also obtained by reduction of the hexavalent uranyl Schiff base complexes with cobaltocene in pyridine in the absence of coordinating cations. The reactivity of the complex [U(V)O(2)(salen)(py)][Cp*(2)Co] with different alkali ions demonstrates the crucial effect of coordinating cations on the stability of cation-cation complexes. The nature of the cation plays a key role in the preparation of stable cation-cation complexes. Stable tetranuclear complexes form in the presence of K(+) and Rb(+), whereas Li(+) leads to disproportionation. A new uranyl-oxo cluster was isolated from this reaction. The reaction of [U(V)O(2)(salen)(py)][Cp*(2)Co] (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) with its U(VI) analogue yields the oxo-functionalized dimer [UO(2)(salen)(py)](2)[Cp*(2)Co] (8). The reaction of the {[UO(2)(salen)(4)][μ(8)-K](2)[K([18]C-6)](2)} tetramer with protons leads to disproportionation to U(IV) and U(VI) species and H(2)O confirming the crucial role of the proton in the U(V) disproportionation.     

Studies on uranyl complexes-III Uranyl complexes of edta

The uranyl complexes of EDTA have been studied by potentiometry ; stability constants of the 1:1 and 2:1 (metal to ligand) chelates have been determined, as well as the respective hydrolysis and polymerization constants. Possible structures for these species are discussed. To account for the abnormally high stability of UO(2)(H(2)O)HL-, hydrogen bonding between a protonated nitrogen atom of the ligand and one oxygen atom of UO(2)(2+) is suggested.     

General route to three-dimensional framework uranyl transition metal phosphates with atypical structural motifs: the case examples of Cs2{(UO2)4[Co(H2O)2]2(HPO4)(PO4)4} and Cs3+x[(UO2)3CuH4-x(PO4)5].H2O

The reaction of UO2(NO3)2.6H2O with Co or Cu metal, phosphoric acid, and CsCl under mild hydrothermal conditions results in the formation of Cs2{(UO2)4[Co(H2O)2(HPO4)(PO4)4} (1) or Cs(3+x)[(UO2)3CuH(4-x)(PO4)5].H2O (2). The structure of 1 contains uranium atoms in pentagonal bipyramidal and hexagonal bipyramidal environments. The interaction of the uranyl cations and phosphate anions creates layers in the [ab] plane. The uranyl phosphate layers are joined together by octahedral Co centers wherein the Co is bound by phosphate and two cis water molecules. In addition, the Co ions are also ligated by a uranyl oxo atom. The presence of these octahedral building units stitches the structure together into a three-dimensional framework where void spaces are filled by Cs+ cations. The structure of 2 contains uranium centers in UO6 tetragonal bipyramidal and UO7 pentagonal bipyramidal geometries. The uranyl moieties are bridged by phosphate anions into sinusoidal sheets that extend into the [bc] plane and are linked into a three-dimensional structure by Cu(II). The Cu centers reside in square planar environments. Charge balance is maintained by Cs+ cations. Both the overall structures and the uranyl phosphate layers in 1 and 2 are novel.     

Expanding the crystal chemistry of uranyl peroxides: synthesis and structures of di- and triperoxodioxouranium(VI) complexes

Four compounds containing tri- and diperoxodioxouranium(VI) complexes have been synthesized under ambient conditions and structurally characterized. The crystal structures of Na4(UO2)(O2)3(H2O)12 (monoclinic, P21/c, a=6.7883(6) A, b=16.001(2) A, c=16.562(2) A, beta=91.917(2) degrees, V=1797.9(3) A3, Z=4) and Ca2(UO2)(O2)3(H2O)9 (orthorhombic, Pbcn, a=9.576(3) A, b=12.172(3) A, c=12.314(2) A, V=1435.4(6) A3, Z=4) contain clusters of triperoxodioxouranium(VI). These clusters are bonded through a network of H bonding to H2O groups and in the Ca compound by bonds to Ca2+ cations. In the crystal structure of Na2Rb4(UO2)2(O2)5(H2O)14 (orthorhombic, Pbcm, a=6.808(2) A, b=16.888(6) A, c=23.286(8) A, V=2677.5(16) A3, Z=4), triperoxodioxouranium(VI) polyhedra share a peroxide edge, forming dimers of polyhedra of composition (UO2)2(O2)5(6-). Adjacent dimers are linked through bonding to Rb+ cations and by H bonds to H2O groups. The crystal structure of K6[(UO2)(O2)2(OH)]2(H2O)7 (orthorhombic, Pcca, a=15.078(8) A, b=6.669(4) A, c=23.526(13) A, V=2366(2) A3, Z=4) contains diperoxodioxouranium(VI) polyhedra that include two OH groups. These polyhedra share an OH-OH edge, forming dimers of composition (UO2)2(O2)4(OH)2(6-). The dimers are linked by bonds to K+ cations and by H bonding to H2O groups.     

U(VI) uranyl cation-cation interactions in framework germanates

The isomorphous compounds NH(4)[(UO(6))(2)(UO(2))(9)(GeO(4))(GeO(3)(OH))] (1), K[(UO(6))(2)(UO(2))(9)(GeO(4))(GeO(3)(OH))] (2), Li(3)O[(UO(6))(2)(UO(2))(9)(GeO(4))(GeO(3)(OH))] (3), and Ba[(UO(6))(2)(UO(2))(9)(GeO(4))(2)] (4) were synthesized by hydrothermal reaction at 220 °C. The structures were determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction and refined to R(1) = 0.0349 (1), 0.0232 (2), 0.0236 (3), 0.0267 (4). Each are trigonal, P(3)1c. 1: a = 10.2525(5), c = 17.3972(13), V = 1583.69(16) ?(3), Z = 2; 2: a = 10.226(4), c = 17.150(9), V = 1553.1(12) ?(3), Z = 2; 3: a = 10.2668(5), c = 17.0558(11), V = 1556.94(15) ?(3), Z = 2; 4: a = 10.2012(5), c = 17.1570(12), V = 1546.23(15) ?(3), Z = 2. There are three symmetrically independent U sites in each structure, two of which correspond to typical (UO(2))(2+) uranyl ions and the other of which is octahedrally coordinated by six O atoms. One of the uranyl ions donates a cation-cation interaction, and accepts a different cation-cation interaction. The linkages between the U-centered polyhedra result in a relatively dense three-dimensional framework. Ge and low-valence sites are located within cavities in the framework of U-polyhedra. Chemical, thermal, and spectroscopic characterizations are provided.     

Chemical equilibria in the uranyl(vi)-peroxide-carbonate system; identification of precursors for the formation of poly-peroxometallates

The focus of this study is on the identification of precursors in solution that might act as building blocks when solid uranyl(vi) poly-peroxometallate clusters containing peroxide and hydroxide bridges are formed. The precursors could be identified by using carbonate as an auxiliary ligand that prevented the formation of large clusters, such as the ones found in solids of fullerene type. Using data from potentiometric and NMR ((17)O and (13)C) experiments we identified the following complexes and determined their equilibrium constants: (UO(2))(2)(O(2))(CO(3))(4)(6-), UO(2)(O(2))CO(3)(2-), UO(2)(O(2))(CO(3))(2)(4-), (UO(2))(2)(O(2))(CO(3))(2)(2-), (UO(2))(2)(O(2))(2)(CO(3))(2-) and [UO(2)(O(2))(CO(3))](5)(10-). The NMR spectra of the pentamer show that all uranyl and carbonate sites are equivalent, which is only consistent with a ring structure built from uranyl units linked by peroxide bridges with the carbonate coordinated "outside" the ring; this proposed structure is very similar to [UO(2)(O(2))(oxalate)](5)(10-) identified by Burns et al. (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2009, 131, 16648; Inorg. Chem., 2012, 51, 2403) in K(10)[UO(2)(O(2))(oxalate)](5)·(H(2)O)(13); similar ring structures where oxalate or carbonate has been replaced by hydroxide are important structure elements in solid poly-peroxometallate complexes. The equivalent uranyl sites in (UO(2))(2)(O(2))(2)(CO(3))(2-) suggest that the uranyl-units are linked by the carbonate ion and not by peroxide.     

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.     

Intrinsic hydration of monopositive uranyl hydroxide,nitrate, and acetate cations

The intrinsic hydration of three monopositive uranyl-anion complexes (UO(2)A)(+) (where A = acetate, nitrate, or hydroxide) was investigated using ion-trap mass spectrometry (IT-MS). The relative rates for the formation of the monohydrates [(UO(2)A)(H(2)O)](+), with respect to the anion, followed the trend: Acetate > or = nitrate > hydroxide. This finding was rationalized in terms of the donation of electron density by the strongly basic OH(-) to the uranyl metal center, thereby reducing the Lewis acidity of U and its propensity to react with incoming nucleophiles, viz., H(2)O. An alternative explanation is that the more complex acetate and nitrate anions provide increased degrees of freedom that could accommodate excess energy from the hydration reaction. The monohydrates also reacted with water, forming dihydrates and then trihydrates. The rates for formation of the nitrate and acetate dihydrates [(UO(2)A)(H(2)O)(2)](+) were very similar to the rates for formation of the monohydrates; the presence of the first H(2)O ligand had no influence on the addition of the second. In contrast, formation of the [(UO(2)OH)(H(2)O)(2)](+) was nearly three times faster than the formation of the monohydrate.     

Topological evolution in uranyl dicarboxylates: synthesis and structures of one-dimensional UO2(C6H8O4)(H2O)2 and three-dimensional UO2(C6H8O4)

Two novel uranyl adipates are reported as synthesized via hydrothermal treatment of uranium oxynitrate and adipic acid. One-dimensional UO(2)(C(6)H(8)O(4))(H(2)O)(2) (1) [a = 9.6306(6) A, c = 11.8125(10) A, tetragonal, P4(3)2(1)2 (No. 96), Z = 4] consists of chains of (UO(2))O(4)(H(2)O)(2) hexagonal bipyramids tethered through a linear adipic acid backbone. Three-dimensional UO(2)(C(6)H(8)O(4)) (2) [a = 5.5835(12) A, b = 8.791(2) A, c = 9.2976(17) A, alpha = 87.769(9) degrees, beta = 78.957(8) degrees, gamma = 81.365(11) degrees, triclinic, P1 (No. 2), Z = 2] is produced by decreasing the hydration level of the reaction conditions. This structure contains a previously unreported [(UO(2))(2)O(8)] building unit cross-linked into a neutral metal-organic framework topology with vacant channels.