Comparative EXAFS investigation of uranium(VI) and -(IV) aquo chloro complexes in solution using a newly developed spectroelectrochemical cell

The coordination of the U(IV) and U(VI) ions as a function of the chloride concentration in aqueous solution has been studied by U L(III)-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The oxidation state of uranium was changed in situ using a gastight spectroelectrochemical cell, specifically designed for the safe use with radioactive solutions. For U(VI) we observed the complexes UO2(H2O)5(2+), UO2(H2O)4Cl+, UO2(H2O)3Cl2(0), and UO2(H2O)2Cl3- with [Cl-] increasing from 0 to 9 M, and for U(IV) we observed the complexes U(H2O)9(4+), U(H2O)8Cl3+, U(H2O)(6-7)Cl2(2+), and U(H2O)5Cl3+. The distances in the U(VI) coordination sphere are U-Oax = 1.76+/-0.02 A, Oeq = 2.41 +/- 0.02 A, and U-Cl = 2.71 +/- 0.02 A; the distances in the U(IV) coordination sphere are U-O = 2.41 +/- 0.02 A and U-Cl = 2.71 +/- 0.02 A.     

Uranium oligomerization in chloride-based high temperature melts: in situ XAS studies

In situ EXAFS spectroscopic studies of uranium compounds in high temperature alkali chloride melts indicate the presence of oligomeric species. An investigation into UCl(3) and UCl(4) dissolved in LiCl reveals long range ordering of uranium atoms in the molten state which is not maintained on quenching. Studies of uranium dioxide dissolved in LiCl-KCl eutectic with HCl exhibit long range ordering in both molten and quenched states, and the EXAFS data can be modeled using multiple coordination shells.     

Structure of [UO2Cl4]2- in acetonitrile

The complex formation of uranyl UO(2)(2+) with chloride ions in acetonitrile was studied by UV-vis and U L(III) EXAFS spectroscopy. The investigations unambiguously point to the existence of a [UO(2)Cl(4)](2-) species in solution with D(4)(h)() symmetry. The distances in the U(VI) coordination sphere are U-O(ax) = 1.77 +/- 0.01 Angstroms and U-Cl = 2.68 +/- 0.01 Angstroms.     

UV–vis absorption spectroscopic study for on-line monitoring of uranium concentration in LiCl–KCl eutectic salt

UV–vis absorption spectroscopy of uranium in LiCl–KCl eutectic salt at 773 K was studied for the on-site use in pyrochemical process. Uranium(III) chloride was electrochemically prepared from uranium metal in LiCl–KCl eutectic salt at 773 K by using chronopotentiometry. Three absorption peak positions were selected and calibrated for the quantitative analysis of uranium in the molten salt medium. The molar absorptivity and minimum detectable concentration for the selected wavelength were obtained with a confidence level of 99%.     

Redox behaviors of zirconium in molten LiCl-KCl eutectic salt based on the comproportionation reaction between Zr(0) and Zr(IV)

The electrochemical behavior of Zr was investigated by a unique comproportionation reaction between Zr(0) and Zr(IV) in molten LiCl-KCl eutectic salt. Based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and square wave voltammetry, the unknown Zr ion, which is the product of comproportionation reaction, was disclosed as Zr(III) instead of Zr(II). Additionally, the cyclic voltammogram of LiCl-KCl-ZrCl₄ system showed a significant difference by changing the working electrode. In accordance with the experimental results, the expected reaction for the major redox peaks on cyclic voltammogram was suggested in comparison with other literatures.     

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.     

Electrochemical co-reduction of Y(III) and Zn(II) and extraction of yttrium on Zn electrode in LiCl-KCl eutectic melts

This work presents an electrochemical study of Y(III) ions on W electrode and liquid Zn electrode and co-reduction mechanism of Y(III) and Zn(II) on W electrode in LiCl-KCl eutectic melts. Cyclic voltammogram and current reversal chronopotentiogram revealed that the electrochemical reaction of Y(III) on W electrode proceeds a single step mechanism of Y(III) to Y(0). On liquid Zn electrode, the deposition potential of Y(III) is more positive than that on W electrode due to the formation of Y-Zn solution and the reduction process was found to be a diffusion controlled and quasi-reversible at lower scan rate of 0.1 V/s. Based on the results of cyclic voltammometry, square wave voltammetry, and chronopoteniometry, the Y-Zn intermetallics could be formed by co-reduction process of Y(III) and Zn(II) on W electrode in LiCl-KCl-ZnCl₂-YCl₃ molten salts. Moreover, the electrochemical extracting metallic Y was conducted by galvanostatic and potentiostatic electrolysis on liquid Zn electrode. Electrolysis products consisted of Zn and YZn₁₂ phases characterized by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry and X-ray diffraction. Meanwhile, the change of Y(III) concentration in LiCl-KCl eutectic melts was detected by inductive coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer and the extraction efficiency could be estimated.     

Complexation of uranium(VI) and samarium(III) with oxydiacetic acid: temperature effect and coordination modes

The complexation of uranium(VI) and samarium(III) with oxydiacetate (ODA) in 1.05 mol kg(-1) NaClO(4) is studied at variable temperatures (25-70 degrees C). Three U(VI)/ODA complexes (UO(2)L, UO(2)L(2)(2-), and UO(2)HL(2)(-)) and three Sm(III)/ODA complexes (SmL(j)((3-2)(j)+) with j = 1, 2, 3) are identified in this temperature range. The formation constants and the molar enthalpies of complexation are determined by potentiometry and calorimetry. The complexation of uranium(VI) and samarium(III) with oxydiacetate becomes more endothermic at higher temperatures. However, the complexes become stronger due to increasingly more positive entropy of complexation at higher temperatures that exceeds the increase in the enthalpy of complexation. The values of the heat capacity of complexation (Delta C(p) degrees in J K(-1) mol(-1)) are 95 +/- 6, 297 +/- 14, and 162 +/- 19 for UO(2)L, UO(2)L(2)(2-), and UO(2)HL(2)(-), and 142 +/- 6, 198 +/- 14, and 157 +/- 19 for SmL(+), SmL(2)(-), and SmL(3)(3-), respectively. The thermodynamic parameters, in conjunction with the structural information from spectroscopy, help to identify the coordination modes in the uranium oxydiacetate complexes. The effect of temperature on the thermodynamics of the complexation is discussed in terms of the electrostatic model and the change in the solvent structure.     

A direct route to bis(imido)uranium(V) halides via metathesis of uranium tetrachloride

Metathesis reactions between uranium tetrachloride and lithium 2,6-diisopropylphenylamide in the presence of 4,4'-dialkyl-2,2'-bipyridyl (R(2)bpy; R = Me, (t)Bu) or triphenylphosphine oxide (tppo) appear to generate bis(imido)uranium(IV) in situ. These extremely reactive complexes abstract chloride from dichloromethane to generate U(NDipp)(2)Cl(R(2)bpy)(2) or U(NDipp)(2)Cl(tppo)(3) (Dipp = 2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3)). The preparation of the bromide and iodide analogues U(NDipp)(2)X(R(2)bpy)(2) was achieved by addition of CH(2)X(2) (X = Br, I) to the uranium(IV) solutions. The uranium(V) halides were characterized by X-ray crystallography and found to exhibit linear N-U-N units and short U-N bonds. Electrochemical measurements were made on the chloride bipyridine species, which reacts readily with iodine or ferrocenium to generate bis(imido)uranium(VI) cations.     

High-temperature, high-pressure hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy of Cs2(UO2)(Si2O6) and variable-temperature powder X-ray diffraction study of the hydrate phase Cs2(UO2)(Si2O6) x 0.5H2O

A new uranium(VI) silicate, Cs2(UO2)(Si2O6), has been synthesized by a high-temperature, high-pressure hydrothermal method and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ibca (No. 73) with a = 15.137(1) A, b = 15.295(1) A, c = 16.401(1) A, and Z = 16. Its structure consists of corrugated achter single chains of silicate tetrahedra extending along the c axis linked together via corner-sharing by UO6 tetragonal bipyramids to form a 3-D framework which delimits 8- and 6-ring channels. The Cs+ cations are located in the channels or at sites between channels. The 29Si and 133Cs MAS NMR spectra are consistent with the crystal structure as determined from X-ray diffraction, and the resonances in the spectra are assigned. Variable-temperature in situ powder X-ray diffraction study of the hydrate Cs2(UO2)(Si2O6) x 0.5H2O indicates that the framework structure is stable up to 800 degrees C and transforms to the structure of the title compound at 900 degrees C. A comparison of related uranyl silicate structures is made.     

Fluoride abstraction and reversible photochemical reduction of cationic uranyl(VI) phosphine oxide complexes

The syntheses, structural and spectroscopic characterization, fluoride abstraction reactions, and photochemical reactivity of cationic uranyl(VI) phosphine oxide complexes are described. [UO2(OPPh3)4][X]2 (1a, X = OTf; 1b, X = BF4) and [UO2(dppmo)2(OPPh3)][X]2 (2a, X = OTf; 2b, X = BF(4)) are prepared from the corresponding uranyl(VI) chloride precursor and 2 equiv each of AgX and phosphine oxide. The BF4- compounds 1b and 2b are prone to fluoride abstraction reactions in methanol, leading to dinuclear fluoride-bridged uranyl(VI) complexes. Fluoride abstraction of 2b in methanol generates two structural isomers of the fluoride-bridged uranyl(VI) dimer [(UO2(dppmo)2)2(mu-F)][BF4]3 (4), both of which have been structurally characterized. In the major isomer 4C, the four dppmo ligands are all chelating, while in the minor isomer 4B, two of the dppmo ligands bridge adjacent uranyl(VI) centers. Photolysis of 2b in methanol proceeds through 4 to form the uranium(IV) fluoride complex [UO2F2(dppmo)3][BF4]2 (5), involving another fluoride abstraction step. X-ray crystallography shows 5 to be a rare example of a structurally characterized uranium(IV) complex possessing terminal U-F bonds. Complex 5 reverts to 4 in solution upon exposure to air.     

Mixed-valent uranium(IV,VI) diphosphonate: synthesis, structure, and spectroscopy

A mixed-valent uranium(IV,VI) diphosphonate, (H(3)O)(2)(UO(2))(3)U(H(2)O)(2)[CH(2)(PO(3))(2)](3)·6H(2)O (UC1P2S), has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. S-2-butanol was used to reduce uranium VI to IV. The tetravalent uranium centers adopt eight-coordinate geometries, while hexavalent uranyl units are all tetragonal bipyramids. The UV-vis-NIR spectrum of UC1P2S shows absorption features for both U(VI) and U(IV).     

Cs2USi6O15: a tetravalent uranium silicate

A uranium(IV) silicate has been synthesized under high-temperature, high-pressure hydrothermal conditions. The structure consists of unbranched dreier single layers with the composition [Si(2)O(5)] that are connected by UO(6) octahedra to form a 3D framework with 7-ring channels where the Cs(+) cations are located. Each UO(6) octahedron spans four neighboring dreier single chains and, therefore, introduces a high degree of corrugation in the silicate layers. The U 4f X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectrum was measured to confirm the valence state of the uranium. A comparison of related metal silicate structures is made. After the synthesis of this compound, all members in the family of uranium silicates and germanates with oxidation states of uranium from 4+ to 6+ have been observed.     

Cs8U(IV)(U(VI)O2)3(Ge3O9)3·3H2O: a mixed-valence uranium germanate with 9-ring channels

A mixed-valence uranium(IV,VI) germanate has been synthesized under high-temperature, high-pressure hydrothermal conditions. The structure contains discrete U(IV)O(6) octahedra and U(VI)O(6) tetragonal bipyramids, which are connected by three-membered single-ring Ge(3)O(9)(6-) anions to form a three-dimensional framework with 9-ring channels. The U 4f X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectrum was measured to identify the valence states of the uranium.     

Synthesis, structural and computational investigations of UO2I42-: a structurally characterized U(VI)-I anion

The synthesis and characterization of (Ph(4)P)(2)UO(2)I(4).2NCCH(3) is reported. The UO(2)I(4)(2-) anion is not only the first unambiguously characterized anion containing a uranium(VI)-iodine bond, but is also the last member of the UO(2)X(4)(2-) (X = Cl, Br, I) series to be unambiguously identified and structurally characterized, in contrast to salts of the UO(2)Cl(4)(2-) and UO(2)Br(4)(2-) anions, which have all been thoroughly investigated and structurally characterized. (Ph(4)P)(2)UO(2)I(4).2NCCH(3) was characterized using IR, Raman, (1)H, (13)C, and (31)P NMR spectroscopy as well as X-ray diffraction. In addition, a computational investigation of the UO(2)I(4)(2-) anion was undertaken and compared with the experimentally observed structure.     

Oxidation state delineation via U L(III)-edge XANES in a series of isostructural uranium coordination complexes

We present an X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) study of a series of uranium coordination complexes that possess nearly identical first coordination spheres and geometries in a range of oxidation states from U(III) to U(VI). These compounds were obtained through the activation of small molecules, such as ketones, azides, and carbon dioxide, and upon oxidation of a high-valent U(V)≡O to [U(VI)≡O](+). Most of the compounds have been reported previously. All of them are fully characterized and their oxidation states have been confirmed by various spectroscopic methods (SQUID, (1)H NMR, and UV/vis/near-IR). Each uranium complex consists of a triazacyclononane anchor bearing three aryloxide side arms with bulky tert-butyl (t-Bu) or adamantyl (Ad) ortho substituents. All complexes have approximate C(3) symmetry and possess an axial cavity that is either empty (U(III)) or occupied by a seventh ligand, namely, terminal oxygen (U(V) and U(VI)) or an oxygen-containing ligand (U(IV)). The only exception is [(((t-Bu)ArO)(3)tacnU(VI)(O)][SbF(6)], which is the rare case of a complex that shows a strong inverse trans influence. The determined correlation between the uranium oxidation state and the U L(III)-edge XANES absorption in this series includes a single terminal oxo ligand bonded uranium(V,VI), for which data are essentially nonexistent. The correct assignment of the uranium valence in a U(IV)-L(?-) compound (L(?-) = ketyl radical) is shown to be only possible by a comparison to structurally similar compounds.     

Comparative study of uranyl(VI) and -(V) carbonato complexes in an aqueous solution

Electrochemical, complexation, and electronic properties of uranyl(VI) and -(V) carbonato complexes in an aqueous Na2CO3 solution have been investigated to define the appropriate conditions for preparing pure uranyl(V) samples and to understand the difference in coordination character between UO22+ and UO2+. Cyclic voltammetry using three different working electrodes of platinum, gold, and glassy carbon has suggested that the electrochemical reaction of uranyl(VI) carbonate species proceeds quasi-reversibly. Electrolysis of UO22+ has been performed in Na2CO3 solutions of more than 0.8 M with a limited pH range of 11.7 < pH < 12.0 using a platinum mesh electrode. It produces a high purity of the uranyl(V) carbonate solution, which has been confirmed to be stable for at least 2 weeks in a sealed glass cuvette. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements revealed the structural arrangement of uranyl(VI) and -(V) tricarbonato complexes, [UO2(CO3)3]n- [n = 4 for uranyl(VI), 5 for uranyl(V)]. The bond distances of U-Oax, U-Oeq, U-C, and U-Odist are determined to be 1.81, 2.44, 2.92, and 4.17 A for the uranyl(VI) complex and 1.91, 2.50, 2.93, and 4.23 A for the uranyl(V) complex, respectively. The validity of the structural parameters obtained from EXAFS has been supported by quantum chemical calculations for the uranyl(VI) complex. The uranium LI- and LIII-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectra have been interpreted in terms of electron transitions and multiple-scattering features.     

Pentavalent uranium oxide via reduction of [UO2]2+ under hydrothermal reaction conditions

The synthesis, crystal structure, and spectroscopic characterization of [U(V)(H2O)2(U(VI)O2)2O4(OH)](H2O)4 (1), a mixed-valent U(V)/U(VI) oxide material, are reported. The hydrothermal reaction of UO2(2+) with Zn and hydrazine at 120 degrees C for three days yields 1 in the form of a dark red crystalline solid. Compound 1 has been characterized by a combination of single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The structure consists of an extended sheet of edge and corner shared U(VI) pentagonal bipyramids that are further connected by edge sharing to square bipyramidal U(V) units. The overall topology is similar to the mineral ianthinite. The uranium L(III)-edge XAS revealed features consistent with those observed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. High resolution XPS data analysis of the U4f region confirmed the oxidation states of U as originally assigned from XRD analysis and bond valence summations.     

Uranyl complexation by chloride ions. Formation of a tetrachlorouranium(VI) complex in room temperature ionic liquids [Bmim][Tf2N] and [MeBu3N][Tf2N

The tetrachlorouranium(VI) complex is formed in [Bmim][Tf2N] and [MeBu3N][Tf2N] from a uranium(VI) solution in the presence of a stoichiometric quantity of chloride ions. The [UVIO2Cl4]2- absorption and emission spectra show bands splitting in comparison with the [UVIO2]2+ spectra, as observed in the solid state, organic solvents, and chloroaluminate-based ionic liquids. The fluorescence lifetime of [UO2Cl4]2- in [MeBu3N][Tf2N] is 0.7 +/- 0.1 mus. The reduction potential of this complex is -1.44 and -1.8 V vs Ag/Ag+ respectively in [Bmim][Tf2N] and [MeBu3N][Tf2N] and does not depend on the chloride concentration. The mechanism proposed for the redox process is a monoelectronic reduction to form [UVO2Cl4]3-, followed by a chemical reaction. The tetrachlorouranium(V) complex seems more stable in [Bmim][Tf2N] than in [MeBu3N][Tf2N]. The electrochemical analysis put in evidence specific interactions of the ionic liquid cation with the uranium anionic species.     

Synthesis of a uranium(VI)-carbene: reductive formation of uranyl(V)-methanides, oxidative preparation of a [R2C═U═O]2+ analogue of the [O═U═O]2+ uranyl ion (R = Ph2PNSiMe3), and comparison of the nature of U(IV)═C, U(V)═C, and U(VI)═C double bonds

We report attempts to prepare uranyl(VI)- and uranium(VI) carbenes utilizing deprotonation and oxidation strategies. Treatment of the uranyl(VI)-methanide complex [(BIPMH)UO(2)Cl(THF)] [1, BIPMH = HC(PPh(2)NSiMe(3))(2)] with benzyl-sodium did not afford a uranyl(VI)-carbene via deprotonation. Instead, one-electron reduction and isolation of di- and trinuclear [UO(2)(BIPMH)(μ-Cl)UO(μ-O){BIPMH}] (2) and [UO(μ-O)(BIPMH)(μ(3)-Cl){UO(μ-O)(BIPMH)}(2)] (3), respectively, with concomitant elimination of dibenzyl, was observed. Complexes 2 and 3 represent the first examples of organometallic uranyl(V), and 3 is notable for exhibiting rare cation-cation interactions between uranyl(VI) and uranyl(V) groups. In contrast, two-electron oxidation of the uranium(IV)-carbene [(BIPM)UCl(3)Li(THF)(2)] (4) by 4-morpholine N-oxide afforded the first uranium(VI)-carbene [(BIPM)UOCl(2)] (6). Complex 6 exhibits a trans-CUO linkage that represents a [R(2)C═U═O](2+) analogue of the uranyl ion. Notably, treatment of 4 with other oxidants such as Me(3)NO, C(5)H(5)NO, and TEMPO afforded 1 as the only isolable product. Computational studies of 4, the uranium(V)-carbene [(BIPM)UCl(2)I] (5), and 6 reveal polarized covalent U═C double bonds in each case whose nature is significantly affected by the oxidation state of uranium. Natural Bond Order analyses indicate that upon oxidation from uranium(IV) to (V) to (VI) the uranium contribution to the U═C σ-bond can increase from ca. 18 to 32% and within this component the orbital composition is dominated by 5f character. For the corresponding U═C π-components, the uranium contribution increases from ca. 18 to 26% but then decreases to ca. 24% and is again dominated by 5f contributions. The calculations suggest that as a function of increasing oxidation state of uranium the radial contraction of the valence 5f and 6d orbitals of uranium may outweigh the increased polarizing power of uranium in 6 compared to 5.