Spectroscopic evidence for the direct coordination of the pertechnetate anion to the uranyl cation in [UO2(TcO4)(DPPMO2)2]+

We report the synthesis and structural characterization of [UO(2)(ReO(4))(DPPMO(2))(2)][ReO(4)] and [UO(2)(Cl)(DPPMO(2))(2)][Cl] (where DPPMO(2) = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane dioxide). In both complexes, the linear uranyl dication is coordinated to two bidentate DPPMO(2) ligands in the equatorial plane with one coordinated and one non-coordinated anion (either perrhenate or chloride). We have also prepared the pertechnetate analogue, and, through (31)P and (99)Tc NMR, we have shown that the cation, [UO(2)(TcO(4))(DPPMO(2))(2)](+), is stable in solution.     

Methanesulfonates of high-valent metals: syntheses and structural features of MoO2(CH3SO3)2, UO2(CH3SO3)2, ReO3(CH3SO3), VO(CH3SO3)2, and V2O3(CH3SO3)4 and their thermal decomposition under N2 and O2 atmosphere

Oxide methanesulfonates of Mo, U, Re, and V have been prepared by reaction of MoO(3), UO(2)(CH(3)COO)(2)·2H(2)O, Re(2)O(7)(H(2)O)(2), and V(2)O(5) with CH(3)SO(3)H or mixtures thereof with its anhydride. These compounds are the first examples of solvent-free oxide methanesulfonates of these elements. MoO(2)(CH(3)SO(3))(2) (Pbca, a=1487.05(4), b=752.55(2), c=1549.61(5) pm, V=1.73414(9) nm(3), Z=8) contains [MoO(2)] moieties connected by [CH(3)SO(3)] ions to form layers parallel to (100). UO(2)(CH(3)SO(3))(2) (P2(1)/c, a=1320.4(1), b=1014.41(6), c=1533.7(1) pm, β=112.80(1)°, V=1.8937(3) nm(3), Z=8) consists of linear UO(2)(2+) ions coordinated by five [CH(3)SO(3)] ions, forming a layer structure. VO(CH(3)SO(3))(2) (P2(1)/c, a=1136.5(1), b=869.87(7), c=915.5(1) pm, β=113.66(1)°, V=0.8290(2) nm(3), Z=4) contains [VO] units connected by methanesulfonate anions to form corrugated layers parallel to (100). In ReO(3)(CH(3)SO(3)) (P1, a=574.0(1), b=1279.6(3), c=1641.9(3) pm, α=102.08(2), β=96.11(2), γ=99.04(2)°, V=1.1523(4) nm(3), Z=8) a chain structure exhibiting infinite O-[ReO(2)]-O-[ReO(2)]-O chains is formed. Each [ReO(2)]-O-[ReO(2)] unit is coordinated by two bidentate [CH(3)SO(3)] ions. V(2)O(3)(CH(3)SO(3))(4) (I2/a, a=1645.2(3), b=583.1(1), c=1670.2(3) pm, β=102.58(3), V=1.5637(5) pm(3), Z=4) adopts a chain structure, too, but contains discrete [VO]-O-[VO] moieties, each coordinated by two bidentate [CH(3)SO(3)] ligands. Additional methanesulfonate ions connect the [V(2)O(3)] groups along [001]. Thermal decomposition of the compounds was monitored under N(2) and O(2) atmosphere by thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis and XRD measurements. Under N(2) the decomposition proceeds with reduction of the metal leading to the oxides MoO(2), U(3)O(7), V(4)O(7), and VO(2); for MoO(2)(CH(3)SO(3))(2), a small amount of MoS(2) is formed. If the thermal decomposition is carried out in a atmosphere of O(2) the oxides MoO(3) and V(2)O(5) are formed.     

A trigonal bipyramidal uranyl amido complex: synthesis and structural characterization of [Na(THF)2][UO2(N(SiMe3)2)3

The synthesis and structural characterization of a rare example of a uranyl complex possessing three equatorial ligands, [M(THF)2][UO2(N(SiMe3)2)3] (3a, M = Na; 3b, M = K), are described. The sodium salt 3a is prepared by protonolysis of [Na(THF)2]2[UO2(N(SiMe3)2)4], whereas the potassium salt 3b is obtained via a metathesis reaction of uranyl chloride UO2Cl2(THF)2 (4) with 3 equiv of K[N(SiMe3)2]. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of 3a revealed a trigonal-bipyramidal geometry about uranium, formed by two axial oxo and three equatorial amido ligands, with average U=O and U-N bond distances of 1.796(5) and 2.310(4) A, respectively. One of the oxo ligands is also coordinated to the sodium counterion. 1H NMR spectroscopic studies indicate that THF adds reversibly as a ligand to 3 to expand the trigonal bipyramidal geometry. The degree to which the coordination sphere in 3 is electronically satisfied with only three amido donors is suggested by (1) the reversible THF coordination, (2) a modest elongation in the bond distances for a five-coordinate U(VI) complex, and (3) the basicity of the oxo ligands as evidenced in the contact to Na. The vibrational spectra of the series of uranyl amido complexes [UO2(N(SiMe3)2)n]2-n (n = 2-4) are compared, to evaluate the effects on the axial U=O bonding as a function of increased electron density donated from the equatorial region. Raman spectroscopic measurements of the nu 1 symmetric O=U=O stretch show progressive axial bond weakening as the number of amido donors is increased. Crystal data for [Na(THF)2][UO2(N(SiMe3)2)3]: orthorhombic space group Pna2(1), a = 22.945(1) A, b = 15.2830(7) A, c = 12.6787(6) A, z = 4, R1 = 0.0309, wR2 = 0.0524.     

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.     

First identification and thermodynamic characterization of the ternary U(VI) species, UO2(O2)(CO3)2(4-), in UO2-H2O2-K2CO3 solutions

In alkaline carbonate solutions, hydrogen peroxide can selectively replace one of the carbonate ligands in UO2(CO3)3(4-) to form the ternary mixed U(VI) peroxo-carbonato species UO2(O2)(CO3)2(4-). Orange rectangular plates of K4[UO2(CO3)2(O2)].H2O were isolated and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Crystallographic data: monoclinic, space group P2(1)/ n, a = 6.9670(14) A, b = 9.2158(10) A, c = 18.052(4) A, Z = 4. Spectrophotometric titrations with H 2O 2 were performed in 0.5 M K 2CO 3, with UO2(O2)(CO3)2(4-) concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.55 mM. The molar absorptivities (M(-1) cm(-1)) for UO2(CO3)3(4-) and UO2(O2)(CO3)2(4-) were determined to be 23.3 +/- 0.3 at 448.5 nm and 1022.7 +/- 19.0 at 347.5 nm, respectively. Stoichiometric analyses coupled with spectroscopic comparisons between solution and solid state indicate that the stable solution species is UO2(O2)(CO3)2(4-), which has an apparent formation constant of log K' = 4.70 +/- 0.02 relative to the tris-carbonato complex.     

The synthesis, structural, and spectroscopic characterization of uranium(IV) perrhenate complexes

We report the synthesis, structural, and spectroscopic characterization of a series of uranium(IV)-perrhenato complexes. Three isostructural complexes with general formula [U(ReO4)4(L)4] (where L = tri-n-butylphosphine oxide/TBPO (2), triethyl phosphate/TEP (3), or tri-iso-butyl phosphate/TiBP (4)), have been synthesized, both through the photoreduction of ethanolic {UO2}2+ solutions and also via a novel U(IV) starting material, U(ReO4)4.5H2O (1). Compound 1 has also been used in the preparation of [U(ReO4)4(TPPO)3(CH3CN)].2CH3CN (5) and [U(ReO4)(DPPMO2)3(OH)][ReO4]2.2CH3CN (6), where TPPO represents triphenylphosphine oxide and DPPMO2 represents bis(diphenylphosphino)methane dioxide. All six complexes have been spectroscopically characterized using NMR, UV-vis-NIR, and IR techniques, with 2, 3, 5, and 6 also fully structurally characterized. The U atoms in compounds 2-6 all exhibit eight-coordinate geometry with up to four perrhenate groups in addition to three (DPPMO2 and TPPO) or four (TEP, TiBP, TBPO) coordinated organic ligands. In the case of compounds 5 and 6, the coordination of eight ligands to the U(IV) center is completed by the binding of a solvent molecule (CH3CN) and OH-, respectively. Solid-state physical analysis (elemental and thermogravimetric) and infrared spectroscopy are in agreement with the structural studies. The crystallographic data suggest that the strength of the U(IV)-O-donor ligand bonds decreases across the series R3PO > [ReO4]- > (RO)3PO. Solution-state IR and 31P NMR spectroscopy appear to be in agreement with these solid-state results.     

A new oxoanion: [IO]3- containing I(V) with a stereochemically active lone-pair in the silver uranyl iodate tetraoxoiodate(V), Ag4(UO2)4(IO3)2(IO4)2O2

The hydrothermal reaction of elemental Ag, or water-soluble silver sources, with UO3 and I2O5 at 200 degrees C for 5 days yields Ag4(UO2)4(IO3)2(IO4)2O2 in the form of orange fibrous needles. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies on this compound reveal a highly complex network structure consisting of three interconnected low-dimensional substructures. The first of these substructures are ribbons of UO8 hexagonal bipyramids that edge-share to form one-dimensional chains. These units further edge-share with pentagonal bipyramidal UO7 units to create ribbons. The edges of the ribbons are partially terminated by tetraoxoiodate(V), [IO4]3-, anions. The uranium oxide ribbons are joined by bridging iodate ligands to yield two-dimensional undulating sheets. These sheets help to form, and are linked together by, one-dimensional chains of edge-sharing AgO7 capped octahedral units and ribbons formed by corner-sharing capped trigonal planar AgO4 polyhedra, AgO6 capped square pyramids, and AgO6 octahedra. The [IO4]3- anions in Ag4(UO2)4(IO3)2)(IO4)2O2 are tetraoxoiodate(V), not metaperiodate, and contain I(V) with a stereochemically active lone-pair. Bond valence sum calculations are consistent with this formulation. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements show distinctly different thermal behavior of Ag4(UO2)4(IO3)2(IO4)2O2 versus other uranyl iodate compounds with endotherms at 479 and 494 degrees C. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the approximate C2v geometry of the [IO4]3- anion can be attributed to a second-order Jahn-Teller distortion. DFT optimized geometry for the [IO4]3- anion is in good agreement with those measured from single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies on Ag4(UO2)4(IO3)2(IO4)2O2.     

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.     

超分子化合物[UO2Cl4][phenH]2的合成、晶体结构、荧光性质及[UO2Cl4][phenH]2/PVA薄膜的发光性能

水热条件下合成了一种含铀的超分子化合物[UO2Cl4][phenH]2(phen=1,10-邻菲罗啉),进行了X射线单晶衍射、红外光谱、紫外光谱和荧光光谱分析。 晶体结构分析表明,该化合物由2个[phenH]+阳离子和1个阴离子[UO2Cl4]2-组成。 红外光谱和X射线单晶衍射表明,标题化合物的三维框架是由N-H…Cl、C-H…Cl和C-H…O弱氢键相互作用所构建。 中心U原子是六配位,有4个Cl原子和2个O原子。 此外,没参与配位的phen利用氢键和π…π堆积与[UO2Cl4]2-相互作用。 含U原子的阴离子是一种扭曲八面体结构。 利用溶胶-凝胶法合成了化合物的PVA薄膜。 标题化合物和薄膜均有较强的荧光性。CCDC:713149     

Synthesis, structure, and solution dynamics of UO22+-hydroxy ketone compounds [UO2(ma)2(H2O)] and [UO2(dpp)(Hdpp)2(H2O)]ClO4 [ma = 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone, Hdpp = 3-hydroxy-1,2-dimethyl-4(1H)-pyridone

Reaction of [UO(2)(NO(3))(2)] with the hydroxy ketones 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone (Hma) and 3-hydroxy-1,2-dimethyl-4(1H)-pyridone (Hdpp) in aqueous acidic solutions (pH approximately 3) yields the compounds [UO(2)(ma)(2)(H(2)O)].H(2)O (1.H(2)O) and [UO(2)(dpp)(Hdpp)(2)(H(2)O)]ClO(4) (2), respectively. X-ray diffraction shows that the geometry around the metal ion in both complexes is pentagonal bipyramid. Uranium ion in the crystal structure of 1 were found to be ligated with two chelate ma(-) groups and one unidentate H(2)O molecule (C coordination mode) at the equatorial plane, while in 2 with two single-bonded Hdpp there were one chelate dpp(-) and one H(2)O molecule (P coordination mode). Crystal data (Mo Kalpha; 293(2) K) are as follows: (1) monoclinic space group C2/c, a = 14.561(7) A, b = 14.871(9) A, c = 7.250(4) A, beta = 95.40(4) degrees , Z = 4; (2) monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, a = 19.080(2) A, b = 9.834(1) A, c = 15.156(2) A, beta = 104.62(1) degrees , Z = 4. (1)H NMR measurements indicate that complex 2 retains its structure in CD(3)CN solution; however, in DMSO-d(6) both complexes adopt the C structure. Line-shape analysis for the (1)H NMR peaks of 2 at various temperatures shows a fast intramolecular exchange process between the chelate dpp(-) and one of the single bonded Hdpp ligands and one slower exchange between all three ligands. The activation parameters and the decrease of the exchange rate by replacing unidentate ligand with DMSO indicate the dissociation of the unidentate ligand as the rate-determining step for the former exchange. Density functional calculations (DFT) support this mechanism and give a quantitative interpretation of the electronic structure of the two ligands and the geometries adopted by the complexes.     

Electronic spectrum of UO2(2+) and [UO2Cl4]2- calculated with time-dependent density functional theory

The electronic spectra of UO(2) (2+) and [UO(2)Cl(4)](2-) are calculated with a recently proposed relativistic time-dependent density functional theory method based on the two-component zeroth-order regular approximation for the inclusion of spin-orbit coupling and a noncollinear exchange-correlation functional. All excitations out of the bonding sigma(u) (+) orbital into the nonbonding delta(u) or phi(u) orbitals for UO(2) (2+) and the corresponding excitations for [UO(2)Cl(4)](2-) are considered. Scalar relativistic vertical excitation energies are compared to values from previous calculations with the CASPT2 method. Two-component adiabatic excitation energies, U-O equilibrium distances, and symmetric stretching frequencies are compared to CASPT2 and combined configuration-interaction and spin-orbit coupling results, as well as to experimental data. The composition of the excited states in terms of the spin-orbit free states is analyzed. The results point to a significant effect of the chlorine ligands on the electronic spectrum, thereby confirming the CASPT2 results: The excitation energies are shifted and a different luminescent state is found.     

The bridging bidentate perchlorato group in ReO3(ClO4), ReO3(ClO4Cl2O6 and Sb2Cl6(O)(OH)(ClO4), a vibrational analysis

Raman and infrared analysis of the new compounds: ReO3(ClO4), an ivory-white solid, and (ClO2)xReO3(ClO4)1+x (x < or = 1), an orange-red chloryl salt, showed that bridging bidentate [ClO4] and terminal ReO3 groups are present in both complexes. Vibrational data on [ClO4] in ReO3(ClO4) were compared to those obtained experimentally and by DFT calculation on a bridging bidentate [ClO4] in Sb2Cl6(O)(OH)(ClO4).     

Synthesis,protonation and substitution behaviour of K3[ReO2(CN)4]

Summary The preparation and characterization of salts of the [ReO₂(CN)₄]^3–, [ReO(OH)(CN)₄]^2–, [ReO(H₂O)(CN)₄]^–, [Re₂O₃(CN)₈]^4– and [ReO(NCS)(CN)₄]^2– species are described. The nature of the protonation reactions of [ReO₂(CN)₄]^3– was established by the successful isolation of these salts.     

Rhenium oxohalides: synthesis and crystal structures of ReO3Cl(THF)2, ReOCl4(THF), Re2O3Cl6(THF)2, and Re2O3Cl6(H2O)2

Convenient methods to prepare solvated rhenium oxochlorides are described; these compounds should serve as useful starting materials for rhenium chemistry. Treatment of perrhenic acid, HReO(4), with chlorotrimethylsilane or with thionyl chloride, followed by addition of tetrahydrofuran, forms the new oxochloride complexes ReO(3)Cl(THF)(2) and ReOCl(4)(THF), respectively. Small amounts of two dinuclear oxochlorides, which evidently resulted from adventitious hydrolysis, were also isolated: Re(2)O(3)Cl(6)L(2), where L = THF or H(2)O. All four compounds were characterized by X-ray crystallography. The rhenium(vii) complex ReO(3)Cl(THF)(2) adopts a distorted octahedral geometry in which the three oxo ligands are in a facial arrangement; the rhenium(vi) complex ReOCl(4)(THF) adopts a trans octahedral structure. The two dinuclear rhenium(vi) compounds both have a single, nearly linear, bridging oxo group; on each Re center, the three terminal chlorides adopt a mer arrangement, and the terminal oxo and the coordinated Lewis base are mutually trans. The water ligand in the aqua complex is hydrogen bonded to nearby THF molecules. IR data are given.     

Oxygen and nitrogen Lewis base adducts of [UO2(OTf)2]. Crystal structures of polypyridine complexes with out-of-plane uranyl equatorial coordination

Dissolution of [UO2(OTf)2](1) in anhydrous thf, dme or py led to the formation of the complexes [UO2(OTf)2(thf)3](2), [UO2(OTf)2(dme)](3) and [UO2(OTf)2(py)3](4), respectively. Compounds 2 and 4 are neutral monomers in the solid state as well as the chloride [UO2Cl2(py)3](5) which was prepared in a similar way as for from the dimer [[UO2Cl2(thf)2]2]. Addition of 4 equivalents of triphenylphosphine oxide (tppo) to 1 afforded, in pyridine, the dicationic species [UO2(tppo)4][OTf]2 (6). The bi- or terdentate nitrogen molecules 2,2'-bipy, phen or terpy reacted with 1 in acetonitrile or pyridine to give [UO2(OTf)2(bipy)2](7), [UO2(phen)3][OTf]2(8), [UO2(OTf)2(terpy)](9) and [UO2(terpy)2][OTf]2(10), respectively. The hydroxide compound [[UO2(OH)(terpy)]2][OTf]2(11) was obtained by hydrolysis in air of 1 in a mixture of acetonitrile and ethanol in the presence of terpyridine. The X-ray crystal structures of , and reveal a novel coordination geometry for the uranyl ion, the uranium atom being in a rhombohedral environment; the six coordinating ligands atoms of the [UO2]2+ ion are separated into two parallel and staggered equilateral triangles and the UO2 axis is perpendicular to these triangles, passing through their centre. The structures of the mono(terpy) complexes 9 and 11 show the uranium atoms in a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal configuration with the nitrogen atom of the central pyridine ring of the terpy ligand significantly displaced from the equatorial plane.     

A series of [3 + 2] cycloaddition products from the reaction of rhenium oxo complexes with diphenyl ketene

The reaction of rhenium (VII) trioxo complexes containing the ligand sets scorpionate, [HB(pz)3]ReO3 (6), [Ph-B(pz)3]ReO3 (7), and [[HC(pz)3]ReO3][ReO4] (8) and pyridine/pyridine-type ligands [(4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phen)(Br)ReO3] (12), [(4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-dipyridyl)(Cl)ReO3] (13), and [(py)2Re(Cl)O3] (4), with diphenyl ketene, has led to the isolation of six novel [3 + 2] cycloaddition products. These air-stable solids 9-11 and 15-17 are the result of [3 + 2] addition of the O=Re=O motif across the ketene C=C double bond. Five of the six [3 + 2] cycloaddition products have been structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and in all cases by 13C NMR and IR spectroscopies.     

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.     

Experimental and theoretical investigations of IR spectra and electronic structures of the U(OH)2, UO2(OH), and UO2(OH)2 molecules

Reactions of laser-ablated U atoms and H2O2 molecules produce UO2, H2UO2, and UO2(OH)2 as major products and U(OH)2 and HU(O)OH as minor products. Complementary information is obtained from similar reactions of U atoms with D2O2, with H2 + O2 mixtures, and with H2O in excess Ar. Through extensive relativistic density functional theory calculations, we have determined the geometry structures and ground states of these U species with a variety of oxidation states U(II), U(IV), U(V), and U(VI). The calculated vibrational frequencies, IR intensities, and isotopic frequency ratios are in good agreement with the experimental values, thus supporting assignments of the observed matrix IR spectra. We propose that the reactions proceed by forming an energized [U(OH)4] intermediate from reactions of the excited U atom with two H2O2 molecules. Because of the special stability of the U(VI) oxidation state, this intermediate decomposes to the UO2(OH)2 molecule, which reveals a distinctive difference between the chemistries of U and Th, where the major product in analogous Th reactions is the tetrahedral Th(OH)4 molecule owing to the stable Th(IV) oxidation state.     

A structural and electrochemical investigation of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium salts of the nitratodioxouranate(VI) anions [[UO2(NO3)2]2(mu 4-C2O4)]2-, [UO2(NO3)3]-, and [UO2(NO3)4]2-

The properties of the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium salt of the dinuclear mu(4)-(O,O,O',O'-ethane-1,2-dioato)bis[bis(nitrato-O,O)dioxouranate(VI)] anion have been investigated using electrochemistry, single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and extended X-ray absorbance fine structure spectroscopy: the anion structures from these last two techniques are in excellent agreement with each other. Electrochemical reduction of the complex leads to the a two-electron metal-centered reduction of U(VI) to U(IV), and the production of UO(2), or a complex containing UO(2). Under normal conditions, this leads to the coating of the electrode with a passivating film. The presence of volatile organic compounds in the ionic liquids 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate (where the 1-alkyl chain was methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, dodecyl, hexadecyl, or octadecyl) during the oxidative dissolution of uranium(IV) oxide led to the formation of a yellow precipitate. To understand the effect of the cation upon the composition and structure of the precipitates, 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium salts of a number of nitratodioxouranate(VI) complexes were synthesized and then analyzed using X-ray crystallography. It was demonstrated that the length of the 1-alkyl chain played an important role, not only in the composition of the complex salt, but also in the synthesis of dinuclear anions containing the bridging mu(4)-(O,O,O',O'-ethane-1,2-dioato), or oxalato, ligand, by protecting it from further oxidation.