Coordination of pertechnetate [TcO4]- to actinides

The ability of [TcO(4)](-) to coordinate directly to tetra- and hexa-valent actinides in the presence of organic P[double bond, length as m-dash]O ligands is confirmed in the crystallographically characterised complexes [UO(2)(TcO(4))(2)(Ph(3)PO)(3)] and [Th(TcO(4))(4)((n)Bu(3)PO)(4)].     

Spectroscopic study of the uranyl hydrolysis species (UO2)2 (OH) 2 2+

The behavior of (UO₂)₂(OH) ₂ ²⁺ has been investigated in solid-liquid equilibria under 100%, 8%, 1%, 0.3% and 0.03% CO₂ partial pressure as well as in undersaturated systems in equilibrium with air at 24±2°C in 0.1M NaClO₄ solutions. From spectroscopic investigations by UV-Vis-and time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence (TRLF) spectroscopies, single component absorption and emission spectra are suggested for the (UO₂)₂ (OH) ₂ ²⁺ species. The lifetime ₂₂ of the fluorescence emitting electronically excited state of (UO₂)₂(OH) ₂ ²⁺ was determined as ₂₂ = 2.9 ± 0.9 s. The formation constant of (UO₂)₂(OH) ₂ ²⁺ was found to be log K₂₂=–5.97 ± 0.06. Interpretation of the experimental data was also made assuming the species (UO₂)₂(OH) ₂ ²⁺ , but unsatisfactory results have been obtained.     

(UO2)2[UO4(trz)2](OH)2: a U(VI) coordination intermediate between a tetraoxido core and a uranyl ion with cation-cation interactions

A uranyl triazole (UO(2))(2)[UO(4)(trz)(2)](OH)(2) (1) (trz = 1,2,4-triazole) was prepared using a mild solvothermal reaction of uranyl acetate with 1,2,4-triazole. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of 1 revealed it contains sheets of uranium-oxygen polyhedra and that one of the U(VI) cations is in an unusual coordination polyhedron that is intermediate between a tetraoxido core and a uranyl ion. This U(VI) cation also forms cation-cation interactions (CCIs). Infrared, Raman, and XPS spectra are provided, together with a thermogravimetric analysis that demonstrates breakdown of the compound above 300 °C. The UV-vis-NIR spectrum of 1 is compared to those of another compound that has a range of U(VI) coordination enviromments.     

Synthesis,Characterization, Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Properties of [Ru(dppt)(bpy)Cl]+ and [Ru(pta)(bpy)Cl]+

Two novel Ru^II complexes [Ru(dppt)(bpy)Cl]ClO₄ (1) and [Ru(pta)(bpy)Cl]ClO₄ (2)[dppt, pta and bpy = 3-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)-5,6-diphenyl-as-triazine, 3-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)-as-triazino[5,6-f]acenaphthylene and 2,2-bipyridine, respectively] were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and electrospray mass spectrometry, ¹H-n.m.r., and u.v.–vis spectroscopy. The redox properties of the complexes were examined using cyclic voltammetry. Due to the strong -accepting character of asymmetric ligands, the MLCT bands of (1) and (2) are shifted significantly to lower energies by comparison with [Ru(tpy)(bpy)Cl]⁺.     

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.     

The mechanism for water exchange in [UO(2)(H(2)O)(5)](2+) and [UO(2)(oxalate)(2)(H(2)O)](2-), as studied by quantum chemical methods.

The mechanisms for the exchange of water between [UO(2)(H(2)O)(5)](2+), [UO(2)(oxalate)(2)(H(2)O)](2)(-)(,) and water solvent along dissociative (D), associative (A) and interchange (I) pathways have been investigated with quantum chemical methods. The choice of exchange mechanism is based on the computed activation energy and the geometry of the identified transition states and intermediates. These quantities were calculated both in the gas phase and with a polarizable continuum model for the solvent. There is a significant and predictable difference between the activation energy of the gas phase and solvent models: the energy barrier for the D-mechanism increases in the solvent as compared to the gas phase, while it decreases for the A- and I-mechanisms. The calculated activation energy, Delta U(++), for the water exchange in [UO(2)(H(2)O)(5)](2+) is 74, 19, and 21 kJ/mol, respectively, for the D-, A-, and I-mechanisms in the solvent, as compared to the experimental value Delta H(++) = 26 +/- 1 kJ/mol. This indicates that the D-mechanism for this system can be ruled out. The energy barrier between the intermediates and the transition states is small, indicating a lifetime for the intermediate approximately 10(-10) s, making it very difficult to distinguish between the A- and I-mechanisms experimentally. There is no direct experimental information on the rate and mechanism of water exchange in [UO(2)(oxalate)(2)(H(2)O)](2-) containing two bidentate oxalate ions. The activation energy and the geometry of transition states and intermediates along the D-, A-, and I-pathways were calculated both in the gas phase and in a water solvent model, using a single-point MP2 calculation with the gas phase geometry. The activation energy, Delta U(++), in the solvent for the D-, A-, and I-mechanisms is 56, 12, and 53 kJ/mol, respectively. This indicates that the water exchange follows an associative reaction mechanism. The geometry of the A- and I-transition states for both [UO(2)(H(2)O)(5)](2+) and [UO(2)(oxalate)(2)(H(2)O)](2-) indicates that the entering/leaving water molecules are located outside the plane formed by the spectator ligands.     

Spectroscopic and structural characterization of the [Fe(imidazole)(6)](2+) cation

Spectroscopic, structural, and magnetic data are presented for Fe(C(3)H(4)N(2))(6)(NO(3))(2), which facilitate a precise definition of the electronic and molecular structure of the [Fe(Im)(6)](2+) cation. The structure was determined at 120(1) K by X-ray diffraction methods. The salt crystallizes in the trigonal space group R3 with unit-cell parameters a = 12.4380(14) A, c = 14.5511(18) A, and Z = 3. All the imidazole ligands are equivalent with an Fe-N bond distance of 2.204(1) A. Variable-temperature inelastic neutron scattering (INS) measurements identify a cold magnetic transition at 19.4(2) cm(-1) and a hot transition at 75.7(6) cm(-1). The data are interpreted using a ligand field Hamiltonian acting in the weak-field (5)D basis, from which the diagonal trigonal field splitting of the (5)T(2g) (O(h)) term is estimated as approximately 485 cm(-1), with the (5)A(g) (S(6)) component lower lying. High-field multifrequency (HFMF) EPR data and measurements of the magnetic susceptibility are also reported and can be satisfactorily modeled using the energies and wave functions derived from analysis of the INS data. The electronic and molecular structures are related through angular overlap model calculations, treating the imidazole ligand as a weak pi-donor.     

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.     

An unprecedented uranyl phosphate framework in the structure of [(UO2)3(PO4)O(OH)(H2O)2](H2O)

The new uranyl phosphate [(UO2)3(PO4)O(OH)(H2O)2](H2O) (1) with an unprecedented framework structure has been synthesized at 150 and 185 degrees C. The structure (tetragonal, P4(2)/mbc, a = 14.015(1) A, c = 13.083(2) A, V = 2575.6(4) A(3), Z = 8) contains uranyl phosphate chains composed of uranyl pentagonal and hexagonal bipyramids and phosphate tetrahedra linked by sharing of polyhedral edges. The uranyl phosphate chains are aligned both along [100] and [010] and are linked into a novel framework structure involving channels along [001]. Topologically identical chains occur linked into sheets in more than a dozen uranyl phosphate minerals, but these chains have never been observed in opposing orientations and linked into a framework as in 1.     

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

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

A uranyl sulfate cluster in Na10[(UO2)(SO4)4](SO4)2·3H2O

Decasodium uranyl hexa­sulfate trihydrate, Na₁₀[(UO₂)(SO₄)₄](SO₄)₂·3H₂O, contains an unusual uranyl sulfate cluster with the composition [(UO₂)(SO₄)₄]^6?. The cluster is composed of a uranyl pentagonal bipyramid and four sulfate tetrahedra. Three sulfate tetrahedra are linked to the uranyl pentagonal bipyramid by the sharing of vertices, and the other shares an equatorial edge of the uranyl pentagonal bipyramid. The uranyl sulfate clusters occur in layers parallel to (010). The structure also contains two isolated symmetrically distinct sulfate tetrahedra, which also occur in layers parallel to (010). The uranyl sulfate clusters and isolated sulfate tetrahedra are linked through bonds to Na⁺ cations, and by hydrogen bonding involving the water molecules.     

Syntheses, structures, and ion-exchange properties of the three-dimensional framework uranyl gallium phosphates, Cs4[(UO2)2(GaOH)2(PO4)4].H2O and Cs[UO2Ga(PO4)2

The reaction of UO(2)(NO(3))(2).6H(2)O with Cs(2)CO(3) or CsCl, H(3)PO(4), and Ga(2)O(3) under mild hydrothermal conditions results in the formation of Cs(4)[(UO(2))(2)(GaOH)(2)(PO(4))(4)].H(2)O (UGaP-1) or Cs[UO(2)Ga(PO(4))(2)] (UGaP-2). The structure of UGaP-1 was solved from a twinned crystal revealing a three-dimensional framework structure consisting of one-dimensional (1)(infinity)[Ga(OH)(PO(4))(2)](4-) chains composed of corner-sharing GaO(6) octahedra and bridging PO(4) tetrahedra that extend along the c axis. The phosphate anions bind the UO(2)(2+) cations to form UO(7) pentagonal bipyramids. The UO(7) moieties edge-share to create dimers that link the gallium phosphate substructure into a three-dimensional (3)(infinity)[(UO(2))(2)(GaOH)(2)(PO(4))(4)](4-) anionic lattice that has intersecting channels running down the b and c axes. Cs(+) cations and water molecules occupy these channels. The structure of UGaP-2 is also three-dimensional and contains one-dimensional (1)(infinity)[Ga(PO(4))(2)](3-) gallium phosphate chains that extend down the a axis. These chains are formed from fused eight-membered rings of corner-sharing GaO(4) and PO(4) tetrahedra. The chains are in turn linked together into a three-dimensional (3)(infinity)[UO(2)Ga(PO(4))(2)](1-) framework by edge-sharing UO(7) dimers as occurs in UGaP-1. There are channels that run down the a and b axes through the framework. These channels contain the Cs(+) cations. Ion-exchange studies indicate that the Cs(+) cations in UGaP-1 and UGaP-2 can be exchanged for Ca(2+) and Ba(2+). Crystallographic data: UGaP-1, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, a = 18.872(1), b = 9.5105(7), c = 14.007(1) A, beta = 109.65(3)(o) , Z = 4 (T = 295 K); UGaP-2, triclinic, space group P, a = 7.7765(6), b = 8.5043(7), c = 8.9115(7) A, alpha = 66.642(1)(o), beta = 70.563(1)(o), gamma = 84.003(2)(o), Z = 2 (T = 193 K).     

A re-evaluation of the two-step spin crossover in the trinuclear cation [Co3(dipyridylamido)4Cl2]+

Density functional theory is used to explore the electronic states involved in the remarkable two-step spin crossover (S = 0 --> S = 1 --> S = 2) in the cationic extended metal atom chain [Co(3)(dpa)(4)Cl(2)](+) (dpa = the anion of 2-dipyridylamine) (R. Clérac, F. A. Cotton, K. R. Dunbar, T. Lu, C. A. Murillo and X. Wang, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2000, 122, 2272). The calculations are consistent with a model in which all three spin states share one common feature-a vacancy in the d(xy) orbital on the central cobalt atom which is stabilised by pi donation from four amide groups. As a result, all three can be considered to contain a Co(2+)-Co(3+)-Co(2+) chain. The singlet and triplet states arise from antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic coupling, respectively, between the unpaired electron in this d(xy) orbital and another localised entirely on the terminal cobalt centres (the antisymmetric combination of Co d(z(2))). The singlet-triplet transition does not, therefore, populate any additional antibonding orbitals, and as a result the structure is almost invariant around the characteristic temperature of the singlet-triplet transition. In the most stable quintet, in contrast, the symmetry of the Co-Co-Co chain is broken, giving rise to a localised high-spin Co(II) centre (S = 3/2), ferromagnetically coupled to a Co(III)-Co(II) dimer (S = 1/2). The structural changes associated with this transition are apparent in the X-ray data in subtle changes in both Co-N and Co-Cl bond lengths, although their magnitude is damped by the relatively low population (18%) of the quintet even at 300 K.     

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.