Synthesis and molecular structure of a plutonium(IV) coordination complex: [Pu(NO3)2(2,6-[(C6H5)2P(O)CH2]2C5H3NO)2](NO3)2x1.5H2Ox0.5MeOH

The trifunctional ligand 2,6-[(C6H5)2P(O)CH2]2 C5H3NO (1), in a mixed EtOH/MeOH solvent system, when combined with an aqueous nitric acid solution of Pu(IV), produces a 2:1 coordination complex, [Pu(1)2(NO3)2](NO3)2. A single crystal of [Pu(NO3)2(2,6-[(C6H5)2P(O)CH2]2C5H3NO)2](NO3)2x1.5H2Ox0.5MeOH was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystal is monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, with a = 19.1011(9) A, b = 18.2873(9) A, c = 21.507(1) A, alpha = gamma = 90 degrees, beta = 108.64(1) degrees, and Z = 4. Two neutral ligands (1) are bonded to the Pu(IV) ion in a tridentate fashion. Two nitrate ions also occupy inner sphere coordination positions, while two additional NO3- ions reside in the outer sphere. Comparison of the solution optical absorbance and solid diffuse reflectance spectra shows the same Pu(IV) chromophore exists in both solid and solution states.