A simple and effective method for the purification of californium from other elements

The distribution coefficients of californium and other elements between an anion exchange resin and alcohol solutions of nitric acid of different concentrations have been determined. An effective method is suggested for the purification of californium from other elements which are slightly adsorbed when Cf is concentrated on an anion exchanger from 0.5–1.0N solutions of nitric acid containing 95–90% alcohol; Cf is subsequently eluted with a 0.5N HNO₃ solution in 85% CH₃OH and simultaneously separated from the elements which are strongly adsorbed on the anion exchange resin. Under the chosen conditions the coefficients of californium purification were determined for a number of elements; the values are 5.4·10²–1.8·10³ for Al, Ca, Fe and ∼10³–10⁵ for Am, Pm, Nd, Ce, Pb, Bi and Na, for one cycle.     

Self-irradiation induced structural changes in the transplutonium pyrochlores An2Zr2O7 (An=Am, Cf)

We have pursued the fundamental chemistry of actinide pyrochlore oxides, An₂Zr₂O₇ (An=Am, Cm, Bk, and Cf), using X-ray diffraction as well as optical spectroscopy. One recent facet of our studies has been to observe the structural changes of these materials under self-irradiation as a function of time. It has been reported that both titanate and silicate materials transform from a crystalline to an amorphous state under irradiation. With the Zr-based actinide pyrochlores studied here, we have observed a phase change from a pyrochlore structure to a fluorite-type structure with the retention of crystallinity. We focus here on the impact of α-radiation (²⁴³Am and ²⁴⁹Cf), rather than that from neutrons (²⁴⁸Cm) or β-radiation (²⁴⁹Bk), on the An₂Zr₂O₇ pyrochlore structures. As a result of this phase change, the local coordination environments of both the actinide and zirconium atoms are altered. We consider a defect/ion deficiency driven mechanism and also address the occurrence of oxidation of the trivalent actinides during the self-irradiation process as being potential mechanisms responsible for the observed phase change.     

Extraction of californium/III/ from aqueous pyrophosphate and tripolyphosphate solutions with D2EHPA

Extraction of californium/III/ with di-/–2-ethylhexyl/ phosphoric acid /D2EHPA/ in heptane from pyrophosphate media is almost quantitative between pH 4 and 5. From tripolyphosphate media, however, two to three extractions are needed in the pH range of 3–5 to isolate Cf³⁺ completely. Reextraction experiments show that 1M H₂SO₄ can back-extract Cf³⁺ completely while two to three reextractions with 5M HNO₃ can only separate californium/III/. Reverse phase partition chromatography experiments were performed to recover 300 g of californium/III/. From slope analysis of the extraction data the composition of the extracted species has been found to be Cf/H₂P₂O₇/A.HA and Cf/H₄P₃O₁₀/.A₂.2HA from pyrophosphate and tripolyphosphate solutions, respectively, where D2EHPA is abbreviated as /HA/₂.     

f-Block Phospholyl and Arsolyl Chemistry

The f-block chemistry of phospholyl and arsolyl ligands, heavier p-block analogues of substituted cyclopentadienyls (Cp^R, C₅R₅) where one or more CR groups are replaced by P or As atoms, is less developed than for lighter isoelectronic C₅R₅ rings. Heterocyclopentadienyl complexes can exhibit properties that complement and contrast with Cp^R chemistry. Given that there has been renewed interest in phospholyl and arsolyl f-block chemistry in the last two decades, coinciding with a renaissance in f-block solution chemistry, a review of this field is timely. Here, the syntheses of all structurally characterised examples of lanthanide and actinide phospholyl and arsolyl complexes to date are covered, including benzannulated derivatives, and together with group 3 complexes for completeness. The physicochemical properties of these complexes are reviewed, with the intention of motivating further research in this field.     

Electrochemical oxidation of californium in carbonae solutions

The electrolysis of trivalent californium, terbium and praseodimium in 2M K₂CO₃ solutions at pH 13.2 results in a partial oxidation of the trivalent ions to a higher oxidation state. Absorption spectra of Cf/III/ in 1M HCLO₄ and in 2M K₂O₃ and that of oxidized californium in carbonate solution have been recorded. Incomplete oxidation is accounted to a reducing species generated at high anode potentials.     

The Coordination Chemistry of f-Block Elements in Molten Salts

The coordination chemistry of f-block elements (lanthanide and actinide) in molten salts has become a resounding topic in view of its great importance to the research and development (R&D) of molten salt reactors and pyroprocessing. In this Review article, a general overview of the coordination chemistry of f-block elements in molten salts is provided including past achievements and recent advances. Particular emphases are placed on the oxidation state, speciation, and solution structure of f-block metal ions in molten salts, as well as their relationships with the salt composition. Furthermore, this review briefly discusses the spectroscopic and theoretical methods that complement each other in revealing the coordination properties.     

An Investigation of Lanthanum Coordination Compounds by Using Solid‐State 139La NMR Spectroscopy and Relativistic Density Functional Theory

Lanthanum‐139 NMR spectra of stationary samples of several solid La^III coordination compounds have been obtained at applied magnetic fields of 11.75 and 17.60 T. The breadth and shape of the ¹³⁹La NMR spectra of the central transition are dominated by the interaction between the ¹³⁹La nuclear quadrupole moment and the electric field gradient (EFG) at that nucleus; however, the influence of chemical‐shift anisotropy on the NMR spectra is non‐negligible for the majority of the compounds investigated. Analysis of the experimental NMR spectra reveals that the ¹³⁹La quadrupolar coupling constants (C_Q) range from 10.0 to 35.6 MHz, the spans of the chemical‐shift tensor (Ω) range from 50 to 260 ppm, and the isotropic chemical shifts (δ_iso) range from ?80 to 178 ppm. In general, there is a correlation between the magnitudes of C_Q and Ω, and δ_iso is shown to depend on the La coordination number. Magnetic‐shielding tensors, calculated by using relativistic zeroth‐order regular approximation density functional theory (ZORA‐DFT) and incorporating scalar only or scalar plus spin–orbit relativistic effects, qualitatively reproduce the experimental chemical‐shift tensors. In general, the inclusion of spin–orbit coupling yields results that are in better agreement with those from the experiment. The magnetic‐shielding calculations and experimentally determined Euler angles can be used to predict the orientation of the chemical‐shift and EFG tensors in the molecular frame. This study demonstrates that solid‐state ¹³⁹La NMR spectroscopy is a useful characterization method and can provide insight into the molecular structure of lanthanum coordination compounds.     

The Rise of Phosphaethynolate Chemistry in Early Transition Metals,Actinides, and Rare-Earth Complexes

In the last seven years, chemistry of the phosphaethynolate reagent, Na(OCP)(1,4-dioxane)_2.5, has seen a surge in organic and inorganic chemistry—A renaissance to cyanate chemistry in a new guise. Whereas there have been many reports of main group reactivity with [OCP]⁻, largely from group 14, in more recent times the use of electropositive metals has garnered significant interest given their ability to disguise in various oxidation states. Herein, we report and discuss advances in such studies of [OCP]⁻ with early transition metal and f-block metal scaffolds.     

Comparative Investigation into the Complexation and Extraction Properties of Tridentate and Tetradentate Phosphine Oxide-Functionalized 1,10-Phenanthroline Ligands toward Lanthanides and Actinides

Two new phosphine oxide-functionalized 1,10-phenanthroline ligands, tetradentate 2,9-bis(butylphenylphosphine oxide)-1,10-phenanthroline (BuPh-BPPhen, L¹ ) and tridentate 2-(butylphenylphosphine oxide)-1,10-phenanthroline (BuPh-MPPhen, L² ), were synthesized and studied comparatively for their coordination with trivalent actinides and lanthanides. The complexation mechanisms of these two ligands toward trivalent f-block elements were thoroughly elucidated by NMR spectroscopy, UV/vis spectrophotometry, fluorescence spectrometry, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, solvent extraction, and theoretical calculation methods. NMR titration results demonstrated that 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 (metal to ligand) lanthanides complexes formed for L¹ , whereas 1 : 1, 1 : 2 and 1 : 3 lanthanide complexes formed for L² in methanol. The formation of these species was validated by fluorescence spectrometry, and the corresponding stability constants for the complexes of Nd^III with L¹ and L² were determined by using UV/vis spectrophotometry. Structures of the 10-coordinated 1 : 1-type complexes of Eu L¹ (NO₃)₃ and [Eu L² (NO₃)₃(H₂O)] Et₂O in the solid state were characterized by X-ray crystallography. In solvent-extraction experiments, L¹ exhibited extremely strong extraction ability for both Am^III and Eu^III, whereas L² showed nearly no extraction toward Am^III or Eu^III due to its high hydrophilicity. Finally, the structures and bonding natures of the complex species formed between Am^III/Eu^III and L¹/L² were analyzed in DFT calculations.     

Discovery of the Heaviest Elements

The search for new superheavy elements (SHEs) is at present one of the most exciting adventures in nuclear physics. Thanks to enhanced experimental techniques, the synthesis of elements Z=113 to 118 in reactions using ⁴⁸Ca projectiles and targets made of isotopes of the elements neptunium to californium has been claimed. Discovery of the elements Z=114 (named flerovium) and Z=116 (named livermorium) has been accepted by the IUPAC. The others are waiting. The situation for element 113 is particular; here claims on discovery come from groups from RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan and FLNR‐JINR, Dubna, Russia.     

Das Addukt von BiCl3 mit Mo6Cl12: [BiCl]-Hanteln in der Struktur von [BiCl][Mo6Cl14]

The Adduct of BiCl₃ and Mo₆Cl₁₂: [BiCl] Dumbbells in the Structure of [BiCl][Mo₆Cl₁₄] MoCl₃ reacts under decomposition to MoCl₂ and Cl₂ with BiCl₃ in a sealed evacuated glass ampoule at 550 °C to form light red crystals of [BiCl][Mo₆Cl₁₄]. The crystal structure determination (monoclinic, C 2/c, a = 1268.1(4) pm, b = 1304.6(3) pm, c = 2571.9(8) pm, β = 91.79(3)°, Z = 8) shows that the structure is built of [(Mo₆Cl₈)Cl₆] units containing nearly regular octahedral Mo₆ clusters. These units are arranged in the motiv of a cubic closest packing. The octahedral interstices contain [BiCl] dumbbells with a Bi–Cl bond length of 249 pm. The coordination sphere of the Bi atom is completed by six weaker Bi–Cl-contacts of 275 to 308 pm length to a distorted monocapped trigonal prism. Neglecting the secondary Bi–Cl bonds, the title compound can be formulated as [(BiCl)²⁺][(Mo₆Cl₁₄)^2–].     

Polysulfonylamine. CLXII [1] Kristallstrukturen von Metall‐di(methansulfonyl)amiden. 11 [2] Das dreidimensionale Koordinationspolymer K[(CH3SO2)2N] II: Eine chirale Struktur mit vier unabhängigen Formeleinheiten,Pseudozentrosymmetrie der Kristallpackung und Konformationsisomorphie des Anions

Stick‐Polysulfonylamines. CLXII. Crystal Structures of Metal Di(methanesulfonyl)amides. 11. The Three‐Dimensional Coordination Polymer K[(CH₃SO₂)₂N] II: A Chiral Structure with Four Independent Formula Units, Pseudo‐Centrosymmetry of the Crystal Packing, and Conformational Isomorphism of the Anion For potassium dimesylamide, K[(CH₃SO₂)₂N] or KA, two monoclinic polymorphs have been isolated from different media at ambient temperature and characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction at —100 °C. In the previously reported centrosymmetric structure of KA I (P2₁/c, Z′ = 1), the anion adopts an extremely rare conformation in point group C₁, whereas the chiral structure of KA II (P2₁, Z′ = 4) displays three independent anions of normal C₂ symmetry and one anion substantially distorted to C₁. In addition, the independent ions of KA II are pair‐wise related by a pseudo‐inversion centre conferring pseudo‐P2₁/c symmetry and Z′ = 2 upon the packing. Both dimorphs form three‐dimensional coordination polymers, in which the oxygen and nitrogen atoms of the anions are exhaustively involved in κ¹‐ or μ₂‐type bonding to either five or six cations, whereby each of the five independent anions develops a different connectivity pattern. The coordination polyhedra of the cations comprise in KA I an O₆N environment approximating to a distorted octahedron with twofold occupancy of one coordination site, in KA II two O₇ spheres forming distorted monocapped octahedra and two O₄N₂ spheres of trigonal‐prismatic geometry. In conclusion, the Z′ = 4 structure of KA II exhibits both conformational and coordination isomorphism, whereas the KA I/KA II pair represents a case of simultaneous conformational and coordination dimorphism. Weak C—H···O hydrogen bonds are observed in both structures.     

The diminution of the neutron odd-even effect due to prompt neutron emission in low energy nuclear fission

Two fissioning systems [²³⁵U(n_th, f) and²⁵²Cf(sf)] have been studied to see the consequence of prompt neutron emission on odd-even effects. Monte Carlo calculations have been carried out for prompt neutron emission. Fragment and product yields have been analyzed by the WahlZ _p Model, the Method of Differences and Model Independent Calculations. The result of the wash-out effect of prompt neutron emission on the neutron odd-even effect has been shown; however, this was not seen with the protons.     

Metalated Container Molecules

The coordination chemistry of metalated container molecules is currently attracting much interest, because the properties of such compounds are often different from those of their constituent components. By adjusting the size and form of the binding cavity it is often possible to coordinate coligands in unusual coordination modes, to activate and transform small molecules, or to stabilize reactive intermediates. Such compounds also allow for an interplay of molecular recognition and transition‐metal catalysis, and for the construction of more effective enzyme mimics. Consequently, a number of research groups are involved in the development of new supporting ligands that create confined environments about active metal coordination sites. This research report briefly reviews recent progress in this field including the results of my own group. It is shown that N‐functionalized derivatives of Robson‐type macrocyclic hexaaza‐dithiophenolate ligands form bioctahedral transition metal complexes of the type [(L^R)M₂(μ‐L′)]⁺ (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn) with an overall calixarene‐like structure. These complexes are amongst the first prototypes for polynuclear complexes with well defined binding cavities. Since the active coordination site L′ is accessible for a wide range of exogenous coligands, the [(L^R)M₂(μ‐L′)] complexes exhibit a rich coordination chemistry. It is demonstrated that the presence of the binding cavity influences many properties of the binuclear [(L^R)M^II₂]²⁺ complex fragments, including color, molecular and electronic structure, hydrogen bonding interactions, redox potential, complex stability, and reactivity. The unusual properties of the complexes can be traced back to complementary host‐guest interactions and the distinct size and form of the binding pocket of the [(L^Me)M₂]²⁺ fragments.     

Fine structure of mass and charge distribution in low energy fission

Studies of finer details in mass and charge distribution fission leads to a better understanding of the fission process. Experimental determination of independent and cumulative yields using radiochemical techniques as well as mass spectrometers and fission product recoil separators form the basis of such studies. It has been established that closed shells as well as an even number of nucleons influence both mass and charge distributions. The magnitudes of these effects may be estimated from existing experimental yield data and various fission models. Using our measurements of several fission yields and those existing in the literature we have calculated even-odd proton and neutron effects for various low energy fissioning systems. Where enough data existed, direct calculations were made, whereas for other cases the Z_p-model of WAHL has been used. It is found that the even-odd proton effect is well established and pronounced in thermal neutron fission of²³⁵U and²³³U. Lesser effects were found for reactor neutron induced fission of²³²Th, thermal neutron fission of²³⁹Pu and spontaneous fission of²⁴⁵Cm and²⁴⁹Cf. No effect seems to exist in the thermal neutron fission of²⁴¹Pu and the spontaneous fission of²⁵²Cf. The even-odd neutron effect is found to be much lower than the corresponding proton effect in²³⁵U and²³³U fissions and is nonexistent in the rest of the fissioning systems.     

Separation and purification of <Superscript>249</Superscript>Cf and <Superscript>245</Superscript>Cm

There is a need to provide radioactivity standards of the higher actinides in support of both decommissioning and remediation activities as well as routine environmental analysis. In the case ²⁴⁹Cf, this will provide a useful calibration nuclide for both α-and γ-spectrometry as well as improving knowledge of the decay scheme for this nuclide. There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that the chemical yield of americium and curium may differ in radiochemical analysis. Thus, a chemical yield tracer of ²⁴⁵Cm may help to resolve this issue and will be suitable for both, suitable for use as a chemical yield tracer for both α-particle spectrometry and mass spectrometry. An aged source of ²⁴⁹Cf was used as the source material for the separation of these two nuclides by cation-exchange, using 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propanoic acid at controlled pH as an eluant, ²⁴⁹Cf being eluted before the ²⁴⁵Cm daughter. The purity of both nuclides was measured by γ-ray spectrometry.     

Light-Controlled Destruction and Assembly: Switching between Two Differently Composed Cage-Type Complexes

We report on two regioisomeric, diazocine ligands 1 and 2 that can both be photoswitched between the E- and Z-configurations with violet and green light. The self-assembly of the four species ( 1 -Z, 1 -E, 2 -Z, 2 -E) with Co^II ions was investigated upon changing the coordination vectors as a function of the ligand configuration (E vs Z) and regioisomer ( 1 vs 2 ). With 1 -Z, Co₂( 1 -Z)₃ was self-assembled, while a mixture of ill-defined species (oligomers) was observed with 2 -Z. Upon photoswitching with 385 nm to the E configurations, the opposite was observed with 1 -E forming oligomers and 2 -E forming Co₂( 2 -E)₃. Light-controlled dis/assembly was demonstrated in a ligand competition experiment with sub-stoichiometric amounts of Co^II ions; alternating irradiation with violet and green light resulted in the reversible transformation between Co₂( 1 -Z)₃ and Co₂( 2 -E)₃ over multiple cycles without significant fatigue by photoswitching.     

Benzodithiazolium‐Chlorooxomolybdate(V): Darstellung und Kristallstruktur von (C6H4NS2)[MoOCl4] und (C6H4NS2)[MoOCl4·H2O]

Benzodithiazolium Chlorooxomolybdate(V): Preparation and Crystal Structure of (C₆H₄NS₂)[MoOCl₄] and (C₆H₄NS₂)[MoOCl₄·H₂O] Red benzo‐1,3,2‐dithiazolium‐chlorooxomolybdate(V) (C₆H₄NS₂)[MoOCl₄] ( 1 ) was obtained by the reaction of benzo‐1,3,2‐dithiazoliumchloride and molybdenum(V)chloride oxide in dichlormethane under solvothermal conditions at 70 °C. In the presence of small amounts of concentrated hydrochloric acid the yellow compound (C₆H₄NS₂)[MoOCl₄·H₂O] ( 2 ) is formed under analogue conditions. Both crystal structures ( 1 : monoclinic, C2/c, a = 799.2(1), b = 2091.5(2), c = 791.5(1) pm, β = 102.2(1)°, Z = 4; 2 : monoclinic, Cc, a = 953.7(1), b = 2468.9(3), c = 608.1(1) pm, β = 112.5(1)°, Z = 4) contain the planar benzo‐1,3,2‐dithiazolium ion. Within the structure of 1 the molybdenum atoms in the [MoOCl₄]^? ions are coordinated in a square pyramidal fashion with an oxygen atom in apical position and the basal plane formed by chlorine atoms. The nitrogen atom of the cation, which bears a partial negativ charge, expands the coordination to a distorted octahedron. The structure therefore is made up of ionic pairs {(C₆H₄NS₂)⁺ [MoOCl₄]^?} with a Mo–N distance of 266 pm. 1 is paramagnetic with a magnetic moment of 1.7 B.M. corresponding to one unpaired electron per formula unit. In the structure of 2 the coordination of the [MoOCl₄]^? ion is expanded by the oxygen atom of a coordinating water molecule. The structure is dominated by hydrogen bonds between the oxygen atoms of the [MoOCl₄·H₂O]^? ions which cause the concatenation of the anions to infinite chains.     

Filling a Niche in “Ligand Space” with Bulky,Electron-Poor Phosphorus(III) Alkoxides

The chemistry of phosphorus(III) ligands, which are of key importance in coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry and catalysis, is dominated by relatively electron-rich species. Many of the electron-poor P^III ligands that are readily available have relatively small steric profiles. As such, there is a significant gap in “ligand space” where more sterically bulky, electron-poor P^III ligands are needed. This contribution discusses the coordination chemistry, steric and electronic properties of P^III ligands bearing highly fluorinated alkoxide groups of the general form PR_n(OR^F)_3−n, where R=Ph, R^F=C(H)(CF₃)₂ and C(CF₃)₃; n=1–3. These ligands are simple to synthesize and a range of experimental and theoretical methods suggest that their steric and electronic properties can be “tuned” by modification of their substituents, making them excellent candidates for large, electron-poor ligands.     

Intermetallics and alloys of transplutonium elements with metals of the platinum group

Americium and curium alloys with palladium and platinum containing up to 20% of actinide were prepared by the coupled reduction technique. The alloys obtained were investigated by X-ray, differential thermal analysis and metallography. Phase diagram sections for Pd–Am, Pd–Cm, Pt–Am and Pt–Cm systems have been constructed. Intermetallics Pt₅An (An=²⁴³Am,²⁴⁴Cm,²⁴⁹Bk,²⁴⁹Cf), Ir₂ ²⁴⁹Bk and Rh₃ ²³⁹Bk were obtained as thin layers on the surfaces of metallic substrates. X-ray investigation has shown that Pt₅An compounds have hexagonal structures of the Cu₅Ca-type, Ir₂Bk- cubic lattice of the Cu₂Mg-type and Rh₃Bk intermetallic has fcc lattice of the Cu₃Au-type. The influence of intensive -decay of transplutonium nuclides on the crystal structure of the intermetallics prepared has been investigated.