Speciation and coordination chemistry of uranyl(VI)-citrate complexes in aqueous solution

The pH dependence of uranyl(VI) complexation by citric acid was investigated using Raman and attenuated total reflection FTIR spectroscopies and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. pH-dependent changes in the nu(s)(UO(2)) envelope indicate that three major UO(2)(2+)-citrate complexes with progressively increasing U=O bond lengths are present over a range of pH from 2.0 to 9.5. The first species, which is the predominant form of uranyl(VI) from pH 3.0 to 5.0, contains two UO(2)(2+) groups in spectroscopically equivalent coordination environments and corresponds to the [(UO(2))(2)Cit(2)](2)(-) complex known to exist in this pH range. At pH values >6.5, [(UO(2))(2)Cit(2)](2)(-) undergoes an interconversion to form [(UO(2))(3)Cit(3)](3)(-) and (UO(2))(3)Cit(2). ESI-MS studies on solutions of varying uranyl(VI)/citrate ratios, pH, and solution counteranion were successfully used to confirm complex stoichiometries. Uranyl and citrate concentrations investigated ranged from 0.50 to 50 mM.     

Two dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes with hydrazone ligands: synthesis,characterization, crystal structures and catalytic properties

A pair of Mo(VI) complexes, [MoO₂L¹(MeOH)] (1) and [MoO₂L²(MeOH)] (2), where L¹ and L² are the dianions of 2-amino-N’-(3-bromo-5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide (H₂L¹) and 2-amino-N’-(3,5-dibromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide (H₂L²), respectively, have been prepared and characterized by physico-chemical methods and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The Mo atom in each complex is coordinated by the phenolate oxygen, imino nitrogen and enolate oxygen of the hydrazone ligand, together with a methanol ligand and two oxo groups, giving a distorted octahedral geometry. The complexes proved to be effective catalysts for the oxidation of various olefins.     

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.     

Dioxouranium(VI) complexes of aliphatic (mono- and di-) hydrazone-oximes

Summary Uranyl acetate dihydrate reacts with several hydrazone-oximes, derived from aliphatic (mon-annd di-) hydrazides and 2,3-butanedione monoxime in the absence of NaOAc, to form complexes of general formulae [UO₂(HL)₂] and [UO₂(HL)₂SZ] (where H₂L=aliphatic acid monohydrazone-oximes; S=EtOH and Z=H₂O). With aliphatic acid dihydrazone and monomaleoyl-hydrazone-oximes, different complexes have been synthesized in 50% EtOH and in the absence of NaOAc. The products have been characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivities, spectral (u.v., i.r., n.m.r.), pH, conductometric titrations, molecular weights and magnetic measurements. I.r. spectral data indicate that the aliphatic hydrazone-oximes, except monomaleoyl-hydrazone-oxime, behave in a similar way to tridentate ligandsvia the azomethine nitrogen and the NOH groups, with replacement of a hydrogen atom from the latter group. On the other hand, malonyl dihydrazone- and adipoyldihydrazone-oximes coordinate in a bi-, and tridentate manner, respectively, towards one uranyl ion, while monomaleoyl- and oxaloyldihydrazone-oximes behave in a penta-and hexadentate fashion, respectively, towards two uranyl ions. Elemental analyses, molecular weight measurements as well as spectral data confirm the existence of a binuclear complex for monomaleoyl- and oxaloyldihydrazone-oximes, whereas a monomer for the rest. Finally, the role of solvent, absence of NaOAc and the type of ligand on the structure of the complexes are discussed.     

Infrared and thermal studies of uranyl(VI) complexes of antipyrine

Recently, the isolation and characterisation of a large number of uranyl(VI) complexes with neutral unidentate oxygen donor ligands having XO bonds (XC, N, P, S or As) have been reported [1–5]. Antipyrine (1-phenyl-2,3-dimethyl-5-pyrazolone), containing a polar carbonyl group, is found to form complexes with metal ions [6-13]. This communication describes the isolation and physico-chemical properties of the complexes formed by uranyl(VI) ions.     

Two mononuclear molybdenum(VI) oxo complexes with tridentate hydrazone ligands: Synthesis and crystal structures

Reaction of [MoO₂(Acac)₂] (Acac = acetylacetonate) with two similar hydrazone ligands in methanol yielded two mononuclear molybdenum(VI) oxocomplexes with general formula [MoO₂(L)(CH₃OH)], where L = L¹ = (4-nitrophenoxy)acetic acid [1-(3-ethoxy-2-hydroxyphenyl)methylidene]hydrazide (H₂L¹) and L = L² = (4-nitrophenoxy)acetic acid [1-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)methylidene]hydrazide (H₂L²). Crystal and molecular structures of the complexes were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction method. All investigated compounds were further characterized by elemental analysis and FT-IR spectra. Single crystal X-ray structural studies indicate that the hydrazone ligands coordinate to the MoO₂ cores through enolate oxygen, phenolate oxygen, and azomethine nitrogen. The Mo atoms in both complexes are in octahedral coordination.     

Oxalate-bridged dirhenium(I) hexacarbonyl complexes: synthesis, reactions, and crystal structures

The complex [{Re(CO)₅}₂(μ,η¹:η¹-C₂O₄)] 1 undergoes thermal decarbonylation to give [Re₂(CO)₆(C₂O₄)]_n, which reacts with triphenylphosphine and trans-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethylene (dppene) to give anti-[Re₂(PPh₃)₂(CO)₆(μ,η²:η²-C₂O₄)] 2 and [Re₂(μ-dppene)(CO)₆(μ,η²:η²-C₂O₄)] 4, respectively. Complex 2 is oxidized on prolonged exposure to air (1 week) to form anti-[Re₂(OPPh₃)₂(CO)₆(μ,η²:η²-C₂O₄)] 3. In the presence of excess dppene, the complex [Re₂(μ-dppene)₂(CO)₆(μ,η¹:η¹-C₂O₄)] 5 is also formed alongside 4. With the chelating diphosphine 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (dppp), the complex [(η²-dppp)Re(CO)₃(μ,η¹:η¹-C₂O₄)Re(CO)₃(η²-dppp)] 6 is formed. The structures of 3 and 4 have been determined by X-ray crystallography. The dppene ligand in complex 4 adopts an unusual “syn” conformation wherein the two phosphorus lone pairs of electrons are eclipsed, thus forming an “A-frame” type of bridge.     

Preparation and crystal structure of a copper(II) uranyl(VI) binuclear chelate

Summary The structure of the heterobinuclear complex of Cu²⁺ and [UO₂]²⁺ with the tetraanionic ligand derived from the condensation of 1,2-diaminoethane witho-acetoacetylphenol has been determined from diffractometer data and refined to R = 5.2%. The crystals are monoclinic,P2₁/a, witha = 26.22(2),b = 14.79(2),c = 8.10(1) Å and = 104.65(5)°; Z = 4. The ligand employed has two different coordination sets of atoms, N₂O₂ and O₂O₂, two oxygen atoms being common to both donor sets. In the complex the copper atom, which is retained in the inner N₂O₂ chamber, is five coordinate being axially bonded to a solvent molecule, whilst the uranyl ion is incorporated in the outer O₂O₂ chamber. Another molecule of solvent is retained to preserve the preferred seven coordination of uranium.     

A new branched phenanthroline derivative ligand: synthesis, solution chemistry, and crystal structures of copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes

The synthesis and characterization of the new ligand 2,9-bis[N,N-bis(2-aminoethyl)aminomethyl]-1,10-phenanthroline (L) are reported. L contains two diethylenetriamine units connected on the central nitrogen atom by a 1,10-phenanthroline group forming a symmetrical branched ligand. The basicity and binding properties of L toward Cu(II) and Zn(II) in aqueous solution were determined by means of potentiometric, UV-vis, fluorescence, and 1H and 13C NMR techniques. L behaves as pentaprotic base under the experimental conditions used; from HL+ to H4L4+ species it is the secondary amine functions that are protonated while in the H5L5+ species also the phenanthroline is involved in protonation. L does not show fluorescence properties in the range of pH (0-14) investigated. It forms both mono- and dinuclear stable species where the phenanthroline is directly involved with both nitrogens in the coordination of the first metal which is coordinated in a pentacoordination environment also by one dien unit. The other dien unit undergoes easy protonation in the mononuclear complex while it binds the second metal in the dinuclear species. For this reason, L, in providing two different binding areas for metal coordination, behaves as an unsymmetrical compartmental ligand; one area is formed by one dien unit and by the phenanthroline, and the other by the remaining dien unit. This produces unsymmetrical metal complexes both for the mono- and dinuclear species; however, the role of the binding areas is fast exchanging in aqueous solution, at least on the NMR time scale. Solution studies and the three crystal structures of the [Zn(H2L)]4+, [[Cu(H2L)](ClO4)]3+, and [[Cu2LCl2](ClO4)]+ species highlight the unsymmetrical compartmental behavior of L as well as the host properties of the complexes in adding exogenous ligands such as hydroxide, pherchlorate, and chloride anions.     

Synthesis,crystal structures,and catalytic property of dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes with hydrazones

Two new dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes, [MoO₂(L₁)] _n · 0.5 _n CH₃OH (I) and [MoO₂(L₂)(CH₃OH)] (II), where L1 and L₂ are the dianionic form of N′-[1-(4-diethylamino-2-hydroxyphenyl)methylidene]isonicotinohydrazide and N′-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidene)-3-methylbenzohydrazide, respectively, were prepared and structurally characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods and single-crystal X-ray determination. For complex I, a polymeric structure is obtained, which is linked by coordination of the pyridine N atoms to the Mo atoms of other [MoO₂(L₁)] units. Complex II is a mononuclear molybdenum compound. In both complexes, the Mo atoms are in octahedral coordination. The catalytic properties of the complexes indicate that they are efficient catalysts for sulfoxidation.     

Synthesis, X-ray crystal structures, thermal and electrochemical properties of thiosemicarbazidatodioxouranium(VI) complexes

The stable uranyl complexes, [UO(2)(L)C(9)H(19)OH], were obtained from 3,5-dichlorosalicyl-(L(I)) and salicyl-aldehyde-S-propyl-thiosemicarbazones (L(II)) with substituted-salicylaldehyde in nonyl alcohol. The structures of the complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, (1)H NMR, conductivity, magnetic moment measurements, cyclic voltammetry, thermal gravimetric analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The U(VI) centre is seven-coordinated in a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometry. The relative orientations of the nonyl alcohol and S-propyl group in the title complexes are completely different due to different crystal packing. Electrochemical behaviors of the thiosemicarbazone ligands and the uranyl complexes were studied using cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry. Redox processes of the compounds are significantly influenced by the central metal ions and the nature of substituents on the thiosemicarbazones, which are important factors in controlling the redox properties. In situ spectroelectrochemical studies were employed to determine the colors and spectra of electro-generated species of the complexes.     

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.     

Theoretical study of electron transfer in uranyl(VI)–uranyl(V) complexes in solution

The rates of the electron self‐exchange between uranyl(VI) and uranyl(V) complexes in solution have been investigated in detail with quantum chemical methods. The calculations have shown that the bond length of U? Oyl is elongated by 0.1 Å when the extra electron is localized on the sites. The diabatic potential surfaces are obtained. The inner reorganization energies are 212.6 and 226.8 kJ mol^?1 for hydroxide and fluoride bridge systems, respectively. The solvent reorganization energies are 28.12 and 31.60 kJ mol^?1 for hydroxide and fluoride bridge systems, respectively. The nuclear frequency factors are 3.17 × 10¹³ and 3.12 × 10¹³ s^?1 for hydroxide and fluoride bridge systems, respectively. The electronic coupling matrix elements are 1.89 and 4.06 kJ mol^?1 for hydroxide and fluoride bridge systems, respectively. The electron‐transfer rates of our calculations are 12.95 and 0.819 M^?1 s^?1 for hydroxide and fluoride bridge systems, respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010     

Copper(II) and molybdenum(VI) complexes with 5-bromosalicylaldehyde S-allylisothiosemicarbazone: Syntheses,characterizations and crystal structures

A new tridentate Schiff base, 5-bromosalicylaldehyde S-allylisothiosemicarbazone hydrobromide (H₂L), and several new mononuclear complexes of copper(II) and molybdenum(VI) of this ligand with general formulas ([Cu(L)Im] (1)), ([Cu(L)NH₃]·4H₂O (2)), and ([MoO₂(L)1-MeIm] (3), Imidazole: Im, 1-methylimidazole: 1-MeIm) were prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, proton magnetic resonance Spectroscopy, and ultraviolet–visible techniques. The physico-chemical results suggested that the H₂L coordinates in the dianionic tridentate form. Crystal structures of the Cu(II) complexes reveal a square planar configuration surrounded by the dianionic tridentate isothiosemicarbazone (ONN) and Im and NH₃ for 1 and 2, respectively. The L^2-, two oxo, and 1-methylimidazole are coordinated to molybdenum(VI) in a distorted octahedral geometry in 3. Formation of pure metal oxide residues was confirmed by thermal degradation of the complexes.     

Mixed-ligand uranyl(V) beta-diketiminate/beta-diketonate complexes: synthesis and characterization

The reaction of [UO 2(Ar 2nacnac)Cl] 2 [Ar 2nacnac = (2,6- (i)Pr 2C 6H 3)NC(Me)CHC(Me)N(2,6- (i)Pr 2C 6H 3)] with Na(RC(O)CHC(O)R) (R = Me, Ph, CF 3) in tetrahydrofuran results in the formation of UO 2(Ar 2nacnac)(RC(O)CHC(O)R) (R = Me, 1; Ph, 2; CF 3, 3), which can be isolated in moderate yields. The structures of 1 and 2 have been confirmed by X-ray crystallography, while the solution redox properties of 1- 3 have been measured by cyclic voltammetry. Complexes 1- 3 exhibit reduction features at -1.82, -1.59, and -1.39 V (vs Fc/Fc (+)), respectively, at a scan rate of 100 mV.s (-1). The decrease in the reduction potential follows the electron-withdrawing ability of each beta-diketonate ligand. Chemical reduction of 1 and 2 with Cp* 2Co in toluene yields [Cp* 2Co][UO 2(Ar 2nacnac)(RC(O)CHC(O)R)] (R = Me, 4; Ph, 5), while reduction of 3 with Cp 2Co provides [Cp 2Co][UO 2(Ar 2nacnac)(CF 3C(O)CHC(O)CF 3)] ( 6). Complexes 4- 6 have been fully characterized, while the solid-state molecular structure of 5 has also been determined. In contrast to the clean reduction that occurs with Cp* 2Co, reduction of 1 with sodium ribbon, followed by cation exchange with [NEt 4]Cl, produces [NEt 4][UO 2(Ar 2nacnac)(H 2CC(O)CH(O)CMe)] ( 7) in modest yield. This product results from the formal loss of H (*) from a methyl group of the acetylacetonate ligand. Alternately, complex 7 can be synthesized by deprotonation of 1 with NaNTMS 2 in good yield.     

Reactions of uranyl(VI) complexes of acid dihydrazides with β-diketones

Summary Uranyl(VI) complexes of malonic acid dihydrazide (MDH₂) and phthalic acid dihydrazide (PDH₂) and the products of their reactions with four -diketones have been characterised by elemental analysis and by electrical conductance, and spectral (i.r. and electronic) measurements. The MDH₂ and PDH₂ complexes UO₂(L)₂(H₂O)₂ are eight coordinate whereas the macrocyclic UO₂(L)(H₂O)₂ complexes are six coordinate. In each complex MDH₂ and PDH₂ act as bidentate liglands having the coordination sites at secondary amide-nitrogen atoms.     

Carboxylate-bridged copper(II) complexes: synthesis,crystal structures,and superoxide dismutase activity

Two copper(II) complexes, [Cu₂(μ-benzoato)(L¹)₂]NO₃·2H₂O (1) and [Cu₂(μ-succinato)(L²)₂(H₂O)]ClO₄ (2), have been synthesized, where L¹ = N′-[(E)-phenyl(pyridin-2-yl)methylidene]benzoylhydrazone and L² = N′-[(E)-pyridin-2-ylmethylidene]benzoylhydrazone. These complexes were characterized including by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The copper is five-coordinate in 1 while in 2 one copper is five-coordinate and the other is six-coordinate. Electrochemical behavior of these complexes was measured by cyclic voltammetry. The conproportionation equilibrium constants (K_con) for both complexes have been estimated. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of 1 and 2 were measured by nitro blue tetrazolium assay. Complex 1 has better SOD activity than 2.     

Synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of three copper(II) complexes of 1,4- bis (di-2-pyridylmethyl)phthalazine

The synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of three discrete copper(II) complexes of 1,4-bis(di-2-pyridylmethyl)phthalazine (L) are reported. The complexes 1–3 have Cu₂L, Cu₃L and Cu₂L₂ composition and display interesting relationships to previously reported complexes of this ligand.     

On the "yl" bond weakening in uranyl(VI) coordination complexes

The U-O(yl) triple bonds in the UO(2)(2+) aquo ion are known to be weakened by replacing the first shell water with organic or inorganic ligands. Weakening of the U-O(yl) bond may enhance the reactivity of "yl" oxygens and uranyl(VI) cation-cation interactions. Density functional theory calculations as well as previously published vibrational spectroscopic data have been used to study the origin of the U-O(yl) bond weakening in uranyl(VI) coordination complexes. Natural population analyses (NPA) revealed that the electron localization on the O(yl) 2p orbital is a direct measure of the U-O(yl) bond weakening, indicating that the bond weakening is correlated to the weakening of the U-O(yl) covalent bond and not that of the ionic bond. The Mulliken analysis gives poor results for uranium to ligand electron partitioning and is thus unreliable. Further analyses of molecular orbitals near the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) show that both the σ and π donating abilities of the ligands may account for the U-O(yl) bond weakening. The mechanism of the bond weakening varies with coordinating ligand so that each case needs to be examined independently.