Cation-cation interactions in Sr5(UO2)20(UO6)2O16(OH)6(H2O)6 and Cs(UO2)9U3O16(OH)5

Two novel U6+ compounds, Sr5(UO2)20(UO6)2O16(OH)6(H2O)6 (SrFm) and Cs(UO2)9U3O16(OH)5 (CsFm), have been synthesized by mild hydrothermal reactions. The structures of SrFm (orthorhombic, C2221, a = 11.668(1), b = 21.065 (3), c = 13.273 A, V = 3532.5(1) A3, Z = 2) and CsFm (trigonal, R3c, a = 11.395(2), c = 43.722(7) A, V = 4916.7(1) A3, Z = 6) are rare examples of uranyl compounds that contain cation-cation interactions where an O atom of one uranyl ion is directly linked to another uranyl ion. Both structures are complex frameworks. SrFm contains sheets of polyhedra that are linked through cation-cation interactions with uranyl ions located between the sheets. CsFm possesses an unusually complex framework of vertex- and edge-sharing U6+ polyhedra that incorporates cation-cation interactions.     

Sterically congested uranyl complexes with seven-coordination of the UO2 unit: the peculiar ligation mode of nitrate in [UO2(NO3)2(Rbtp)] complexes

Addition of 1 or 2 molar equiv of Rbtp [Rbtp = 2,6-bis(5,6-dialkyl-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)pyridine; R = Me, Pr ( n )] to UO 2(OTf) 2 in anhydrous acetonitrile gave the neutral compounds [UO 2(OTf) 2(Rbtp)] [R = Me ( 1), ( n )Pr ( 2)] and the cationic complexes [UO 2(Rbtp) 2][OTf] 2 [R = Me ( 3), Pr ( n ) ( 4)], respectively. No equilibrium between the mono and bis(Rbtp) complexes or between [UO 2(Rbtp) 2][OTf] 2 and free Rbtp in acetonitrile was detected by NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of 1 and 3 resemble those of their terpyridine analogues, and 3 is another example of a uranyl complex with the uranium atom in the unusual rhombohedral environment. In the presence of 1 molar equiv of Rbtp in acetonitrile, UO 2(NO 3) 2 was in equilibrium with [UO 2(NO 3) 2(Rbtp)] and the formation of the bis adduct was not observed, even with an excess of Rbtp. The X-ray crystal structures of [UO 2(NO 3) 2(Rbtp)] [R = Me ( 5), Pr ( n ) ( 6)] reveal a particular coordination geometry with seven coordinating atoms around the UO 2 fragment. The large steric crowding in the equatorial girdle forces the bidentate nitrate ligands to be almost perpendicular to the mean equatorial plane, inducing bending of the UO 2 fragment. The dinuclear oxo compound [U(CyMe 4btbp) 2(mu-O)UO 2(NO 3) 3][OTf] ( 7), which was obtained fortuitously from a 1:2:1 mixture of U(OTf) 4, CyMe 4btbp, and UO 2(NO 3) 2 [CyMe 4btbp = 6,6'-bis-(3,3,6,6-tetramethyl-cyclohexane-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine] is a very rare example of a mixed valence complex involving covalently bound U (IV) and U (VI) ions; its crystal structure also exhibits a seven coordinate uranyl moiety, with one bidentate nitrate group almost parallel to the UO 2 fragment. The distinct structural features of [UO 2(kappa (2)-NO 3) 2(Mebtp)], with its high coordination number and a noticeable bending of the UO 2 fragment, and of [UO 2(kappa (2)-NO 3)(kappa (1)-NO 3)(terpy)], which displays a classical geometry, were analyzed by Density Functional Theory, considering the bonding energy components and the molecular orbitals involved in the interaction between the uranyl, nitrate, and Mebtp or terpy moieties. The unusual geometry of the Mebtp derivative with the seven coordinating atoms around the UO 2 fragment was found very stable. In both the Mebtp and terpy complexes, the origin of the interaction appears to be primarily steric (Pauli repulsion and electrostatic); this term represents 62-63% of the total bonding energy while the orbital term contributes to about 37-38%.     

Evidence for the formation of UO2(NO3)4(2-) in an ionic liquid by EXAFS

The complexation between uranium(vi) and nitrate ions in a hydrophobic ionic liquid (IL), namely [BMI][NO(3)] (BMI = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium(+)), is investigated by EXAFS spectroscopy. It was performed by dissolution of uranyl nitrate UO(2)(NO(3))(2)·6H(2)O or UO(2)(Tf(2)N)(2) (Tf(2)N = bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (CF(3)SO(2))(2)N(-)). The formation of the complex UO(2)(NO(3))(4)(2-) is evidenced.     

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.     

Intercalation of iodic acid into the layered uranyl iodate, UO2(IO3)2(H2O)

The direct intercalation of iodic acid into the layered uranyl iodate, UO2(IO3)2(H2O), has been observed to yield UO2(IO3)2(H2O).2HIO3 in crystalline form. This is the first example of this type of reaction with iodic acid.     

Photoelectron spectroscopy and the electronic structure of the uranyl tetrachloride dianion: UO(2)Cl(4) (2-)

The uranyl tetrachloride dianion (UO(2)Cl(4) (2-)) is observed in the gas phase using electrospray ionization and investigated by photoelectron spectroscopy and relativistic quantum chemical calculations. Photoelectron spectra of UO(2)Cl(4) (2-) are obtained at various photon energies and congested spectral features are observed. The free UO(2)Cl(4) (2-) dianion is found to be highly stable with an adiabatic electron binding energy of 2.40 eV. Ab initio calculations are carried out and used to interpret the photoelectron spectra and elucidate the electronic structure of UO(2)Cl(4) (2-). The calculations show that the frontier molecular orbitals in UO(2)Cl(4) (2-) are dominated by the ligand Cl 3p orbitals, while the U-O bonding orbitals are much more stable. The electronic structure of UO(2)Cl(4) (2-) is compared with that of the recently reported UO(2)F(4) (2-) [P. D. Dau, J. Su, H. T. Liu, J. B. Liu, D. L. Huang, J. Li, and L. S. Wang, Chem. Sci. 3 1137 (2012)]. The electron binding energy of UO(2)Cl(4) (2-) is found to be 1.3 eV greater than that of UO(2)F(4) (2-). The differences in the electronic stability and electronic structure between UO(2)Cl(4) (2-) and UO(2)F(4) (2-) are discussed.     

Rates and mechanisms of water exchange of UO2(2+)(aq) and UO2(oxalate)F(H2O)2-: a variable-temperature 17O and 19F NMR study

This study consists of two parts: The first part comprised an experimental determination of the kinetic parameters for the exchange of water between UO2(H2O)5(2+) and bulk water, including an ab initio study at the SCF and MP2 levels of the geometry of UO2(H2O)5(2+), UO2(H2O)4(2+), and UO2(H2O)6(2+) and the thermodynamics of their reactions with water. In the second part we made an experimental study of the rate of water exchange in uranyl complexes and investigated how this might depend on inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bond interactions. The experimental studies, made by using 17O NMR, with Tb3+ as a chemical shift reagent, gave the following kinetic parameters at 25 degrees C: kex = (1.30 +/- 0.05) x 10(6) s(-1); deltaH(not equal to) = 26.1 +/- 1.4 kJ/mol; deltaS(not equal to) = -40 +/- 5J J/(K mol). Additional mechanistic indicators were obtained from the known coordination geometry of U(VI) complexes with unidentate ligands and from the theoretical calculations. A survey of the literature shows that there are no known isolated complexes of UO2(2+) with unidentate ligands which have a coordination number larger than 5. This was corroborated by quantum chemical calculations which showed that the energy gains by binding an additional water to UO2(H2O)4(2+) and UO2(H2O)5(2+) are 29.8 and -2.4 kcal/mol, respectively. A comparison of the change in deltaU for the reactions UO2(H2O)5(2+)--> UO2(H2O)4(2+) + H2O and UO2(H2O)5(2+) + H2O --> UO2(H2O)6(2+) indicates that the thermodynamics favors the second (associative) reaction in gas phase at 0 K, while the thermodynamics of water transfer between the first and second coordination spheres, UO2(H2O)5(2+) --> UO2(H2O)4(H2O)2+ and UO2(H2O)5(H2O)2+ --> UO2(H2O)6(2+), favors the first (dissociative) reaction. The energy difference between the associative and dissociative reactions is small, and solvation has to be included in ab initio models in order to allow quantitative comparisons between experimental data and theory. Theoretical calculations of the activation energy were not possible because of the excessive computing time required. On the basis of theoretical and experimental studies, we suggest that the water exchange in UO2(H2O)5(2+) follows a dissociative interchange mechanism. The rates of exchange of water in UO2(oxalate)F(H2O)2- (and UO2(oxalate)F2(H2O)2- studied previously) are much slower than in the aqua ion, kex = 1.6 x 10(4) s(-1), an effect which we assign to hydrogen bonding involving coordinated water and fluoride. The kinetic parameters for the exchange of water in UO2(H2O)52+ and quenching of photo excited *UO2(H2O)5(2+) are very near the same, indicating similar mechanisms.     

Complexation of the carbonate, nitrate, and acetate anions with the uranyl dication: density functional studies with relativistic effective core potentials

The structures and vibrational frequencies of uranyl carbonates, [UO2(CO3)n](2-2n) and [(UO2)3(CO3)6]6-, uranyl nitrates, [UO2(NO3)n](2-n), and uranyl acetates, [UO2(CH3COO)n](2-n) (n = 1,2,3) have been calculated by using local density functional theory (LDFT). Only bidentate ligand coordination modes to the uranyl dication have been modeled. The calculated structures and frequencies are compared to available experimental data, including IR, Raman, X-ray diffraction, and EXAFS solution and crystal structure data. The energetics of ligand binding have been calculated using the B3LYP hybrid functional. In general, the structural and vibrational results at the LDFT level are in good agreement with experimental results and provide realistic pictures of solution phase and solid-state behavior. For the [UO2(CO3)3]6- anion, calculations suggest that complexity in the CO3(2-) stretching signature upon complexation is due to the formation of C=O and C-O domains, the latter of which can split by as much as 300 cm(-1). Assessment of the binding energies indicate that the [UO2(CO3)2]2- anion is more stable than the [UO2(CO3)3]4- anion due to the accumulation of excess charge, whereas the tri-ligand species are the most stable in the nitrate and acetate anions.     

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.     

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.     

Uranyl-based metallamacrocycles: tri- and tetranuclear complexes with (2R,3R,4S,5S)-tetrahydrofurantetracarboxylic acid

The trinuclear [UO2L]36- and tetranuclear [UO2L]48- metallamacrocycles, obtained by reaction of uranyl nitrate with the rigidly angular ligand (2R,3R,4S,5S)-tetrahydrofurantetracarboxylic acid (H4L) in a basic medium, are in equilibrium in methanol solution. Depending on the counterion, one or the other can be selectively isolated in crystal form. These rare examples of supramolecules incorporating actinide ions confirm the high potential and unique features of uranyl as a building block. Uranyl complexation through both the tri- and bidentate sites of the ligand is at variance with previous assumptions resulting from molecular modeling in nuclear waste reprocessing studies.     

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.     

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

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

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.     

Binding of molecular O2 to di- and triligated [UO2]+

Gas-phase complexes containing dioxouranium(V) cations ([UO(2)](+)) ligated with two or three sigma-donating acetone ligands reacted with dioxygen to form [UO(2)(A)(2,3)(O(2))](+), where A is acetone. Collision-induced dissociation studies of [UO(2)(A)(3)(O(2))](+) showed initial loss of acetone, followed by elimination of O(2), which suggested that O(2) was bound more strongly than the third acetone ligand, but less strongly than the second. Similar behavior was observed for complexes in which water was substituted for acetone. Binding of dioxygen to [UO(2)](+) containing zero, one, or four ligands did not occur, nor did it occur for analogous ligated U(IV)O(2) or U(VI)O(2) ions. For example, only addition of acetone and/or H(2)O occurred for the U(VI) species [UO(2)OH](+), with the ligand addition cascade terminating in formation of [UO(2)OH(A)(3)](+). Similarly, the U(IV) species [UOOH](+) added donor ligands, which produced the mixed-ligand complex [UOOH(A)(3)(H(2)O)](+) as the preferred product at the longest reaction times accessible. Since dioxygen normally functions as an electron acceptor, an alternative mode for binding dioxygen to the cationic U(V)O(2) center is indicated that is dependent on the presence of an unpaired electron and donor ligands in the uranyl valence orbitals.     

Structure determination and infrared spectroscopy of K(UO2)(SO4)(OH)(H2O) and K(UO2)(SO4)(OH)

Two potassium uranyl sulfate compounds were synthesized, and their crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. K(UO2)(SO4)(OH)(H2O) (KUS1) crystallizes in space group P21/c, a = 8.0521(4) A, b = 7.9354(4) A, c = 11.3177(6) A, beta = 107.6780(10) degrees , V = 689.01(6) A3, and Z = 4. K(UO2)(SO4)(OH) (KUS2) is orthorhombic Pbca, a = 8.4451(2) A, b = 10.8058(4) A, c = 13.5406(5)A, V = 1235.66(7)A3, and Z = 8. Both structures were refined on the basis of F2 for all unique data collected with Mo Kalpha radiation and a CCD-based detector to agreement indices R1 = 0.0251 and 0.0206 calculated for 2856 and 2616 reflections for KUS1 and KUS2, respectively. The structures contain vertex-sharing uranyl pentagonal bipyramids and sulfate tetrahedra linked into new chains and sheet topologies. Infrared spectroscopy provides additional information about the linkages between the sulfate and uranyl polyhedra, as well as the hydrogen bonding present in the structures. The U-O-S connectivity is examined in detail, and the local bond angle is impacted by the steric constraints of the crystal structure.     

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.     

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.     

Structural studies coupling X-ray diffraction and high-energy X-ray scattering in the UO2(2+)-HBr(aq) system

The structural chemistry of uranium(VI) in concentrated aqueous hydrobromic acid solutions was investigated using both single crystal X-ray diffraction and synchrotron-based high-energy X-ray scattering (HEXS) to reveal the structure of the uranium(VI) complexes in solution prior to crystallization. The crystal structures of a series of uranyl tetrabromide salts are reported, including Cs(2)UO(2)Br(4), Rb(2)UO(2)Br(4)·2H(2)O, K(2)UO(2)Br(4)·2H(2)O, and (NH(4))(2)UO(2)Br(4)·2H(2)O, as well as a molecular dimer of uranium(VI), (UO(2))(2)(OH)(2)Br(2)(H(2)O)(4). Limited correspondence exists between the structures observed in the solid state and those in solution. Quantitative analysis of the HEXS data show an average U-Br coordination number of 1.9(2) in solution, in contrast to the U-Br coordination number of 4 in the solid salts.     

A novel open framework uranyl molybdate: synthesis and structure of (NH4)4[(UO2)5(MoO4)7](H2O)5

Single crystals of (NH(4))(4)[(UO(2))(5)(MoO(4))(7)](H(2)O)(5) have been synthesized hydrothermally using (NH(4))(6)Mo(7)O(24), (UO(2))(CH(3)COO)(2).2H(2)O, and H(2)O at 180 degrees C. The phase has been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction using a merohedrally twinned single crystal: it is hexagonal, P6(1), a = 11.4067(5) A, c = 70.659(5) A, V = 7961.9(7) A(3), and Z = 6. The structure is based upon an open framework with composition [(UO(2))(5)(MoO(4))(7)](4-) that is composed of UO(7) pentagonal bipyramids that share vertexes with MoO(4) tetrahedra. The framework has large channels (effective pore size: 4.8 x 4.8 A(2)) parallel to the c axis and a system of smaller channels (effective pore size: 2.5 x 3.6 A(2)) parallel to [100], [110], [010], [110], [110], and [110]. The channels are occupied by NH(4)(+) cations and H(2)O molecules. The topological structure of the uranyl molybdate framework can be described either in terms of fundamental chains of UO(7) pentagonal bipyramids and MoO(4) tetrahedra or in terms of tubular building units parallel to the c axis.