Electron transfer in uranyl(VI)-uranyl(V) complexes in solution

The rates and mechanisms of the electron self-exchange between U(V) and U(VI) in solution have been studied with quantum chemical methods. Both outer-sphere and inner-sphere mechanisms have been investigated; the former for the aqua ions, the latter for binuclear complexes containing hydroxide, fluoride, and carbonate as bridging ligand. The calculated rate constant for the self-exchange reaction UO(2)(+)(aq) + UO(2)(2+)(aq) <=>UO(2)(2+)(aq) + UO(2)(+)(aq), at 25 degrees C, is k = 26 M(-1) s(-1). The lower limit of the rate of electron transfer in the inner-sphere complexes is estimated to be in the range 2 x 10(4) to 4 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1), indicating that the rate for the overall exchange reaction may be determined by the rate of formation and dissociation of the binuclear complex. The activation energy for the outer-sphere model calculated from the Marcus model is nearly the same as that obtained by a direct calculation of the precursor- and transition-state energy. A simple model with one water ligand is shown to recover 60% of the reorganization energy. This finding is important because it indicates the possibility to carry out theoretical studies of electron-transfer reactions involving M(3+) and M(4+) actinide species that have eight or nine water ligands in the first coordination sphere.     

Spin-orbit effects in electron transfer in neptunyl(VI)-neptunyl(V) complexes in solution

The spin-orbit effects were investigated on the complexes involved in the electron self-exchange between Np(V) and Np(VI) in both the outer-sphere and inner-sphere mechanisms, the latter for binuclear complexes containing hydroxide, fluoride, and carbonate as bridging ligands. Results obtained with the variation-perturbation and the multireference single excitation spin-orbit CI calculations are compared. Both effects due to different relaxations of spinors within a multiplet (spin-orbit relaxation) and scalar (electrostatic) relaxation effects in the excited states are accounted for in the latter scheme. The results show that the scalar (electrostatic) relaxation is well described by the single-excitation spin-orbit CI, and that spin-orbit relaxation effects are small in the Np complexes, as in the lighter d-transition elements but in contrast to the main group elements.     

Gas-phase uranyl, neptunyl, and plutonyl: hydration and oxidation studied by experiment and theory

The following monopositive actinyl ions were produced by electrospray ionization of aqueous solutions of An(VI)O(2)(ClO(4))(2) (An = U, Np, Pu): U(V)O(2)(+), Np(V)O(2)(+), Pu(V)O(2)(+), U(VI)O(2)(OH)(+), and Pu(VI)O(2)(OH)(+); abundances of the actinyl ions reflect the relative stabilities of the An(VI) and An(V) oxidation states. Gas-phase reactions with water in an ion trap revealed that water addition terminates at AnO(2)(+)·(H(2)O)(4) (An = U, Np, Pu) and AnO(2)(OH)(+)·(H(2)O)(3) (An = U, Pu), each with four equatorial ligands. These terminal hydrates evidently correspond to the maximum inner-sphere water coordination in the gas phase, as substantiated by density functional theory (DFT) computations of the hydrate structures and energetics. Measured hydration rates for the AnO(2)(OH)(+) were substantially faster than for the AnO(2)(+), reflecting additional vibrational degrees of freedom in the hydroxide ions for stabilization of hot adducts. Dioxygen addition resulted in UO(2)(+)(O(2))(H(2)O)(n) (n = 2, 3), whereas O(2) addition was not observed for NpO(2)(+) or PuO(2)(+) hydrates. DFT suggests that two-electron three-centered bonds form between UO(2)(+) and O(2), but not between NpO(2)(+) and O(2). As formation of the UO(2)(+)-O(2) bonds formally corresponds to the oxidation of U(V) to U(VI), the absence of this bonding with NpO(2)(+) can be considered a manifestation of the lower relative stability of Np(VI).     

Electrochemical and complexation behavior of neptunium in aqueous perchlorate and nitrate solutions

Electrochemical and complexation properties of neptunium (Np) are investigated in aqueous perchlorate and nitrate solutions by means of cyclic voltammetry, bulk electrolysis, UV-visible absorption, and Np L(III)-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopies. The redox reactions of Np(III)/Np(IV) and Np(V)/Np(VI) couples are reversible or quasi-reversible, while the electrochemical reaction between Np(III/IV) and Np(V/VI) is irreversible because they undergo structural rearrangement from spherical coordinating ions (Np(3+) and Np(4+)) to transdioxoneptunyl ions (NpO2(n+), n = 1 for Np(V) and 2 for Np(VI)). The redox reaction of the Np(V)/Np(VI) couple involves no structural rearrangement on their equatorial planes in acidic perchlorate and nitrate solutions. A detailed analysis on extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra suggests that Np(IV) forms a decaaquo complex of [Np(H2O)10](4+) in 1.0 M HClO4, while Np(V) and Np(VI) exist dominantly as pentaaquoneptunyl complexes, [NpO2(H2O)5](n+) (n = 1 for Np(V) and 2 for Np(VI)). A systematic change is observed on the Fourier transforms of the EXAFS spectra for all of the Np oxidation states as the nitrate concentration is increased in the sample, revealing that the hydrate water molecules are replaced by bidentate-coordinating nitrate ions on the primary coordination sphere of Np.     

Chlorine dioxide reduction by aqueous iron(II) through outer-sphere and inner-sphere electron-transfer pathways

The reduction of ClO(2) to ClO(2)(-) by aqueous iron(II) in 0.5 M HClO(4) proceeds by both outer-sphere (86%) and inner-sphere (14%) electron-transfer pathways. The second-order rate constant for the outer-sphere reaction is 1.3 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1). The inner-sphere electron-transfer reaction takes place via the formation of FeClO(2)(2+) that is observed as an intermediate. The rate constant for the inner-sphere path (2.0 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1)) is controlled by ClO(2) substitution of a coordinated water to give an inner-sphere complex between ClO(2) and Fe(II) that very rapidly transfers an electron to give (Fe(III)(ClO(2)(-))(H(2)O)(5)(2+))(IS). The composite activation parameters for the ClO(2)/Fe(aq)(2+) reaction (inner-sphere + outer-sphere) are the following: DeltaH(r)++ = 40 kJ mol(-1); DeltaS(r)++ = 1.7 J mol(-1) K(-1). The Fe(III)ClO(2)(2+) inner-sphere complex dissociates to give Fe(aq)(3+) and ClO(2)(-) (39.3 s(-1)). The activation parameters for the dissociation of this complex are the following: DeltaH(d)++= 76 kJ mol(-1); DeltaS(d)++= 32 J K(-1) mol(-1). The reaction of Fe(aq)(2+) with ClO(2)(-) is first order in each species with a second-order rate constant of k(ClO2)- = 2.0 x 10(3) M(-1) s(-1) that is five times larger than the rate constant for the Fe(aq)(2+) reaction with HClO(2) in H(2)SO(4) medium ([H(+)] = 0.01-0.13 M). The composite activation parameters for the Fe(aq)(2+)/Cl(III) reaction in H(2)SO(4) are DeltaH(Cl(III))++ = 41 kJ mol(-1) and DeltaS(Cl(III))++ = 48 J mol(-1) K(-1).     

Electron transfer reactions between copper(II) porphyrin complexes and various oxidizing reagents in acetonitrile

Homogeneous electron transfer reactions of the Cu(II) complexes of 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) and 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethylporphyrin (OEP) with various oxidizing reagents were spectrophotometrically investigated in acetonitrile. The reaction products were confirmed to be the pi-cation radicals of the corresponding Cu(II)-porphyrin complexes on the basis of the electronic spectra and the redox potentials of the complexes. The rate of the electron transfer reaction between the Cu(II)-porphyrin complex and solvated Cu(2+) was determined as a function of the water concentration under the pseudo first-order conditions where Cu(2+) is in large excess over the Cu(II)-porphyrin complex. The decrease in the pseudo first-order rate constant with increasing the water concentration was attributed to the stepwise displacement of acetonitrile in [Cu(AN)(6)](2+)(AN = acetonitrile) by water, and it was concluded that only the Cu(2+) species fully solvated by acetonitrile, [Cu(AN)(6)](2+), possesses sufficiently high redox potential for the oxidation of Cu(ii)-OEP and Cu(ii)-TPP. The reactions of the Cu(II)-porphyrin complexes with other oxidizing reagents such as [Ni(tacn)(2)](3+)(tacn = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane) and [Ru(bpy)(3)](3+)(bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) were too fast to be followed by a conventional stopped-flow technique. Marcus cross relation for the outer-sphere electron transfer reaction was used to estimate the rate constants of the electron self-exchange reaction between Cu(II)-porphyrin and its pi-cation radical: log(k/M(-1) s(-1))= 9.5 +/- 0.5 for TPP and log(k/M(-1) s(-1))= 11.1 +/- 0.5 for OEP at 25.0 degrees C. Such large electron self-exchange rate constants are typical for the porphyrin-centered redox reactions for which very small inner- and outer-sphere reorganization energies are required.     

Al3+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Li+ in aqueous solution: calculated first-shell anharmonic OH vibrations at 300 K

The anharmonic OH stretching vibrational frequencies, ν(OH), for the first-shell water molecules around the Li(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), and Al(3+) ions in dilute aqueous solutions have been calculated based on classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and quantum-mechanical (QM) calculations. For Li(+)(aq), Ca(2+)(aq), Mg(2+)(aq), and Al(3+)(aq), our calculated IR frequency shifts, Δν(OH), with respect to the gas-phase water frequency, are about -300, -350, -450, and -750?cm(-1), compared to -290, -290, -420, and -830?cm(-1) from experimental infrared (IR) studies. The agreement is thus quite good, except for the order between Li(+) and Ca(2+). Given that the polarizing field from the Ca(2+) ion ought to be larger than that from Li(+)(aq), our calculated result seems reasonable. Also the absolute OH frequencies agree well with experiment. The method we used is a sequential four-step procedure: QM(electronic) to make a force field+MD simulation+QM(electronic) for point-charge-embedded M(n+) (H(2)O)(y) (second?shell) (H(2)O)(z) (third?shell) clusters+QM(vibrational) to yield the OH spectrum. The many-body Ca(2+)-water force-field presented in this paper is new. IR intensity-weighting of the density-of-states frequency distributions was carried out by means of the squared dipole moment derivatives.     

Critical role of water content in the formation and reactivity of uranium, neptunium, and plutonium iodates under hydrothermal conditions: implications for the oxidative dissolution of spent nuclear fuel

The reactions of 237NpO2 with excess iodate under acidic hydrothermal conditions result in the isolation of the neptunium(IV), neptunium(V), and neptunium(VI) iodates, Np(IO3)4, Np(IO3)4.nH2O.nHIO3, NpO2(IO3), NpO2(IO3)2(H2O), and NpO2(IO3)2.H2O, depending on both the pH and the amount of water present in the reactions. Reactions with less water and lower pH favor reduced products. Although the initial redox processes involved in the reactions between 237NpO2 or 242PuO2 and iodate are similar, the low solubility of Pu(IO3)4 dominates product formation in plutonium iodate reactions to a much greater extent than does Np(IO3)4 in the neptunium iodate system. UO2 reacts with iodate under these conditions to yield uranium(VI) iodates solely. The isotypic structures of the actinide(IV) iodates, An(IO3)4 (An=Np, Pu), are reported and consist of one-dimensional chains of dodecahedral An(IV) cations bridged by iodate anions. The structure of Np(IO3)4.nH2O.nHIO3 is constructed from NpO9 tricapped-trigonal prisms that are bridged by iodate into a polar three-dimensional framework structure. Second-harmonic-generation measurements on a polycrystalline sample of the Th analogue of Np(IO3)4.nH2O.nHIO3 reveal a response of approximately 12x that of alpha-SiO2. Single-crystal magnetic susceptibility measurements of Np(IO3)4 show magnetically isolated Np(IV) ions.     

Stabilising pentavalent actinides--visible-near infrared and X-ray absorption spectroscopic studies of the utility of the [(Np3W4O15)(H2O)3(MW9O33)3]18- (M = Sb, Bi) structural type

We report the interaction between B-type tri-lacunary heteropolyoxotungstate anions and actinyl(V) cations in aqueous solution, yielding a greater understanding of the stability of the O≡An≡O(1+) linear dioxo actinide moiety. Previously we reported that B-α-[BiW(9)O(33)](9-) and B-α-[SbW(9)O(33)](9-) will react with NpO(2)(1+) to yield [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(MW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) (M = Bi, or Sb). Single crystal structural characterisation of salts of these complexes revealed a core in which three Np(V) atoms interact with a central W(VI) atom through bridging oxo groups. These bridging oxygen atoms come from one of the two axial oxygens in O≡Np≡O(1+) and represent a highly unusual interaction for a discrete molecular species. In this study visible/near infra-red spectroscopy indicates that [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(BiW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) could be readily stabilized in solution at near neutral pH for several months, with (NH(4))(14)Na(4)[(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(39)BiW(9)O(33))(3)]·62H(2)O crystallising from solution in high yield. At lower pH and [BiW(9)O(33)](9-) : NpO(2)(1+) ratios additional Np(V) species could be observed in solution. Stabilization of [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(SbW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) in solution proved more challenging, with several distinctive Np(V) near infra-red transitions observed in solution. Slow complexation kinetics and reduction to Np(IV) was also observed. High [SbW(9)O(33)](9-) : NpO(2)(1+) molar ratios and careful control of solution pH was required to prepare solutions in which [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(SbW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) was the only neptunium containing species. In stark contrast to the NpO(2)(1+) chemistry, [BiW(9)O(33)](9-) readily oxidizes PuO(2)(1+) to PuO(2)(2+) yielding further evidence of the decreased stability of Pu(V)vs. Np(V). Np L(II)-edge XAFS measurement revealed very good agreement with single crystal diffraction data for the Np structural environment for [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(MW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) (M = Bi, or Sb) in the solid state. There was also good agreement between coordination shells for [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(BiW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) in the solid state and in solution, yielding further confirmation of the high stability of this particular cluster.     

Hydrothermal synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of the mixed-valent Np(IV)/Np(V) Selenite Np(NpO2)2(SeO3)3

The reaction of NpO(2) with SeO(2) in the presence of CsCl at 180 degrees C results in the formation of Np(NpO(2))(2)(SeO(3))(3) (1). The structure of 1 consists of three crystallographically unique Np centers with three different coordination environments in two different oxidation states. Np(1) is found in a neptunyl(V), O[double bond]Np[double bond]O(+), unit that is further ligated in the equatorial plane by three chelating SeO(3)(2-) anions to create a hexagonal bipyramidal NpO(8) unit. A second neptunyl(V) cation also occurs for Np(2); it is bound by four bridging selenite anions and by the oxo atom from the Np(1) neptunyl cation to form a pentagonal bipyramidal, NpO(7), unit. The third neptunium center, Np(3), which contains Np(IV), is found in a distorted NpO(8) dodecahedron. Np(3) is bound by five bridging selenite anions and by three neptunyl units via cation-cation interactions. The NpO(7) pentagonal bipyramids and NpO(8) hexagonal bipyramids share both corners and edges. Both of these polyhedra share corners via cation-cation interactions with the NpO(8) dodecahedra creating a three-dimensional structure with small channels that house the stereochemically active lone pair of electrons on the selenite anions. Magnetic susceptibility data follow Curie-Weiss behavior over the entire temperature range measured (5 < or = T < or = 320 K). The effective moment, mu(eff) = 2.28 mu(B), which represents an average over the three crystallographically inequivalent Np atoms, is within the expected range of values. There is no evidence of long-range ordering of the Np moments at temperatures down to 5 K, consistent with the negligible Weiss constant determined from fitting the susceptibility data. Crystallographic data: 1, orthorhombic, space group Pbca, a = 10.6216(5), b = 11.9695(6), and c = 17.8084(8) A and Z = 8 (T = 193 K).     

Preference for nitrogen versus oxygen donor coordination in uranyl- and neptunyl(VI) complexes

The first actinyl phosphinimine complexes have been synthesized and, in the case of uranium, exhibit strong U-N interactions. Competition reactions clearly demonstrate a surprising preference for R3P=NH ligands over R3P=O in the system [AnO2Cl2(R3PX)2] (An = U(VI), Np(VI); R = Ph, Cy; X = O, NH). Spectroscopic evidence for N-donor coordination to [NpO2]2+ in solution indicates chemical similarities to the [UO2]2+ moiety.     

Cation-cation interactions between neptunyl(VI) units

The boric acid flux reaction of NpO(2)(ClO(4))(2) with NaClO(4) affords Na[(NpO(2))(4)B(15)O(24)(OH)(5)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))·0.75H(2)O (NaNpBO-1). NaNpBO-1 possesses a layered structure consisting of double neptunyl(VI) borate sheets bridged by another Np(VI) site through cation-cation interactions. The sole presence of Np(VI) in NaNpBO-1 is supported by absorption and vibrational spectroscopy.     

Studies on metal carbonate equilibria-part 21 Study of the U(VI)H(2)OCO(2)(g) system by thermal lensing spectrophotometry

Equilibria in the U(VI)H(2)OCO(2)(g) system in 0.5M sodium perchlorate medium at 25 degrees have been studied. By using thermal tensing spectrophotometry (TLS) and a very low total concentration of U(V1) (4 x 10(-6)M) information could be obtained on equilibria involving UO(2)(CO(3))(2-)(2) without complications due to formation of the trimer (UO(2))(3)(CO(3))(6-)(6). The experimental data allowed a precise determination of the equilibrium constant log K(3) = 6.35 +/- 0.05 for the reaction UO(2)(CO(3))(2-)(2) + CO(2-)(3) right harpoon over left harpoonright harpoon over left harpoon UO(2)(CO(3))(4-)(3). The interpretation of TLS data is briefly discussed, as well as the potential use of this technique for studies of the speciation of trace elements in natural water systems.     

Reduction kinetics of Pu(IV) and Np(VI) by N,N-dimethylhydrazine,and its potential application in nuclear fuel reprocessing

Reduction kinetics of Pu(IV) by N,N-dimethylhydrazine (NNDMH) were studied by spectrophotometry, and the reduction rate equation in 3M (mol/dm³) nitric acid was obtained. The reduction properties of NNDMH for U(VI), Np(VI), and Pu(IV) was studied in the mixture solution of trin-butylphosphate diluted to 30 vol.% by n-dodecane (30% TBP) and 3M nitric acid. It was confirmed that NNDMH selectively reduce Np(VI) to Np(V) without affecting the valences of U(VI) and Pu(IV) in a few minutes. Numerical simulation indicated that 99.9% of Np was separated from U and Pu applying NNDMH for a mixer-settler.     

A comparison of neptunyl(V) and neptunyl(VI) solution coordination: the stability of cation-cation interactions

The solution coordination environments of pentavalent and hexavalent Np are studied by high-energy X-ray scattering. Np5+ and Np6+ both exist as the neptunyl moiety coordinated with five equatorial waters at Np-O distances of 2.46(2) and 2.37(2) A, respectively. NpO2(2+) also has a second coordination sphere of 6-10 waters at 4.37(3) A. The NpO2+ scattering is complicated by the presence of scattering at about 4.2 A that is attributed to Np-Np cation-cation interactions. The analysis of changing intensity of this peak as a function of Np concentration is used to determine a stability constant of Keq=0.74(9) M(-1) for the dimeric complex.     

An investigation of the lead(II)-hydroxide system

A detailed investigation of the Pb(II)/OH(-) system has been made in NaClO(4) media at 25 degrees C. Combined UV-vis spectrophotometric-potentiometric titrations at [Pb(II)](T) < or = 10 microM using a long path length cell detected only four mononuclear hydroxide complexes. The values of log beta(1)(q)(), for the equilibria Pb(2+)(aq) + qH(2)O <--> Pb(OH)(q)()((2)(-)(q)()()+)(aq) + qH(+)(aq), were -7.2, -16.1, -26.5, and -38.0 for q = 1-4, respectively, at ionic strength I = 1 M (NaClO(4)). Similar results were obtained at I = 5 M (NaClO(4)). No evidence was found for higher order complexes (q > 4) even at very high [OH(-)]/[Pb(II)] ratios, nor for polynuclear species at [Pb(II)](T) < or = 10 microM. Measurements using (207)Pb-NMR and Raman spectroscopies and differential pulse polarography (DPP) provided only semiquantitative confirmation. The mononuclear Pb(OH)(q)()((2)(-)(q)()()+)(aq) complexes are the only hydrolyzed species likely to be significant under typical environmental and biological conditions.     

Preconcentration of U(VI) ions on few-layered graphene oxide nanosheets from aqueous solutions

Graphene oxide nanosheets have attracted multidisciplinary attention due to their unique physicochemical properties. Herein, few-layered graphene oxide nanosheets were synthesized from graphite using a modified Hummers method and were characterized by TEM, AFM, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, FTIR spectroscopy, TG-DTA and acid-base titrations. The prepared few-layered graphene oxide nanosheets were used as adsorbents for the preconcentration of U(VI) ions from large volumes of aqueous solutions as a function of pH, ionic strength and temperature. The sorption of U(VI) ions on the graphene oxide nanosheets was strongly dependent on pH and independent of the ionic strength, indicating that the sorption was mainly dominated by inner-sphere surface complexation rather than by outer-sphere surface complexation or ion exchange. The abundant oxygen-containing functional groups on the surfaces of the graphene oxide nanosheets played an important role in U(VI) sorption. The sorption of U(VI) on graphene oxide nanosheets increased with an increase in temperature and the thermodynamic parameters calculated from the temperature-dependent sorption isotherms suggested that the sorption of U(vi) on graphene oxide nanosheets was an endothermic and spontaneous process. The maximum sorption capacities (Q(max)) of U(VI) at pH 5.0 ± 0.1 and T = 20 °C was 97.5 mg g(-1), which was much higher than any of the currently reported nanomaterials. The graphene oxide nanosheets may be suitable materials for the removal and preconcentration of U(VI) ions from large volumes of aqueous solutions, for example, U(VI) polluted wastewater, if they can be synthesized in a cost-effective manner on a large scale in the future.     

Two new neptunyl(V) selenites: a novel cation-cation interaction framework in (NpO2)3(OH)(SeO3)(H2O)2 3H2O and a uranophane-type sheet in Na(NpO2)(SeO3)(H2O)

Dark green crystals of (NpO(2))(3)(OH)(SeO(3))(H(2)O)(2)·H(2)O (1) have been prepared by a hydrothermal reaction of neptunyl(V) and Na(2)SeO(4) in an aqueous solution at 150 °C, while green plates of Na(NpO(2))(SeO(3))(H(2)O) (2) have been synthesized by evaporation of a solution of neptunyl(V), H(2)SeO(4), and NaOH at room temperature. Both compounds have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of compound contains three crystallographically unique Np atoms that are bonded to two O atoms to form a nearly linear O═Np═O NpO(2)(+) cation. Neighboring Np(5+) ions connect to each other through a bridging oxo ion from the neptunyl unit, a configuration known as cation-cation interactions (CCIs), to build a complex three-dimensional network. More specifically, each Np(1)O(2)(+), Np(2)O(2)(+), and Np(3)O(2)(+) cation is involved in three, five, and four CCIs with other units, respectively. The framework of neptunyl(V) pentagonal bipyramids is decorated by selenite trigonal pyramids with one-dimensional open channels where uncoordinated waters are trapped via hydrogen bonding interactions. Compound adopts uranophane-type [(NpO(2))(SeO(3))](-) layers, which are separated by Na(+) cations and water molecules. Within each layer, neptunyl(V) pentagonal bipyramids share equatorial edges with each other to form a single chain that is further connected by both monodentate and bidentate selenite trigonal pyramids. Crystallographic data: compound, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, Z = 4, a = 6.6363(8) ?, b = 15.440(2) ?, c = 11.583(1) ?, β = 103.549(1)°, V = 1153.8(2) ?(3), R(F) = 0.0387 for I > 2σ(I); compound (2), monoclinic, C2/m, Z = 4, a = 14.874(4) ?, b = 7.271(2) ?, c = 6.758(2) ?, β = 112.005(4)°, V = 677.7(3) ?(3), R(F) = 0.0477 for I > 2σ(I).     

Cation-cation interactions: crystal structures of neptunyl(V) selenate hydrates, (NpO2)2(SeO4)(H2O)n (n=1, 2, and 4)

Green crystals of (NpO(2))(2)(SeO(4))(H(2)O)(4), (NpO(2))(2)(SeO(4))(H(2)O)(2), and (NpO(2))(2)(SeO(4))(H(2)O) have been prepared by hydrothermal methods. The structures of these compounds have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. (NpO(2))(2)(SeO(4))(H(2)O)(4), isostructural with (NpO(2))(2)(SO(4))(H(2)O)(4), is constructed from layers comprised of corner-sharing neptunyl(V) pentagonal bipyramids and selenate tetrahedra that are further linked by hydrogen bonding with water molecules. Each NpO(2)(+) cation binds to four other NpO(2)(+) units through cation-cation interactions (CCIs) to form a distorted "cationic square net" decorated by SeO(4)(2-) tetrahedra above and below the layer. Each selenate anion is bound to two neptunyl(V) cations through monodentate linkages. (NpO(2))(2)(SeO(4))(H(2)O)(2) is isostructural with the corresponding sulfate analogue as well. It consists of puckered layers of neptunyl(V) pentagonal bipyramids that are further connected by selenate tetrahedra to form a three-dimensional framework. The CCI pattern in the neptunyl layers of dihydrate is very similar to that of tetrahydrate; however, each SeO(4)(2-) tetrahedron is bound to four NpO(2)(+) cations in a mondentate manner. (NpO(2))(2)(SeO(4))(H(2)O) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, which differs from the (NpO(2))(2)(SO(4))(H(2)O) orthorhombic structure due to the slightly different connectivities between NpO(2)(+) cations and anionic ligands. The structure of (NpO(2))(2)(SeO(4))(H(2)O) adopts a three-dimensional network of distort neptunyl(V) pentagonal bipyramids decorated by selenate tetrahedra. Each NpO(2)(+) cation connects to four other NpO(2)(+) units through CCIs and also shares an equatorial coordinating oxygen atom with one of the other units in addition to the CC bond to form a dimer. Each SeO(4)(2-) tetrahedron is bound to five NpO(2)(+) cations in a monodentate manner. Magnetic measurements obtained from the powdered tetrahydrate are consistent with a ferromagnetic ordering of the neptunyl(V) spins at 8(1) K, with an average low temperature saturation moment of 1.98(8) μ(B) per Np. Well above the ordering temperature, the susceptibility follows Curie-Weiss behavior, with an average effective moment of 3.4(2) μ(B) per Np and a Weiss constant of 14(4) K. Correlations between lattice dimensionality and magnetic behavior are discussed.     

Symmetry and optical spectra: a "silent" 1 : 2 Np(V)-oxydiacetate complex

The 1 : 2 Np(V)-oxydiacetate complex, NpO(2)(ODA)(2)(3-), identified by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry for the first time, is centrosymmetric around the Np atom so that the f-f transitions of Np(V) are forbidden, resulting in the "silence" of the absorption and diffuse reflectance spectra of this complex in solution and the solid state in the near-IR and visible regions.