Triamidoamine-Uranium(IV)-Stabilized Terminal Parent Phosphide and Phosphinidene Complexes

f-Element Zintl Chemistry: Actinide-Mediated Dehydrocoupling of H2Sb1- Affords the Trithorium and Triuranium Undeca-Antimontriide Zintl Clusters [{An(TrenTIPS)}3(μ3-Sb11)] (An = Th, U; TrenTIPS = {N(CH2CH2NSiiPr3)3}3-)

Reaction of the cesium antimonide complex [Cs(18C6)2][SbH2] (1, 18C6 = 18-crown-6 ether) with the triamidoamine actinide separated ion pairs [An(TrenTIPS)(L)][BPh4] (TrenTIPS = {N(CH2CH2NSiiPr3)3}3-; An/L = Th/DME (2Th); U/THF (2U)) affords the triactinide undeca-antimontriide Zintl clusters [{An(TrenTIPS)}3(μ3-Sb11)] (An = Th (3Th), U (3U)) by dehydrocoupling. Clusters 3Th and 3U provide two new examples of the Sb113- Zintl trianion and are unprecedented examples of molecular Sb113- being coordinated to anything since all previous reports featured isolated Sb113- Zintl trianions in separated ion quadruple formulations with noncoordinating cations. Quantum chemical calculations describe dominant ionic An-Sb interactions in 3Th and 3U, though the data suggest that the latter exhibits slightly more covalent An-Sb linkages than the former. Complexes 3Th and 3U have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR, IR, and UV/vis/NIR spectroscopies, elemental analysis, and quantum chemical calculations.

Arene-, Chlorido-, and Imido-Uranium Bis- and Tris(boryloxide) Complexes

We introduce the boryloxide ligand {(HCNDipp)2BO}- (NBODipp, Dipp = 2,6-di-isopropylphenyl) to actinide chemistry. Protonolysis of [U{N(SiMe3)2}3] with 3 equiv of NBODippH produced the uranium(III) tris(boryloxide) complex [U(NBODipp)3] (1). In contrast, treatment of UCl4 with 3 equiv of NBODippK in THF at room temperature or reflux conditions produced only [U(NBODipp)2(Cl)2(THF)2] (2) with 1 equiv of NBODippK remaining unreacted. However, refluxing the mixture of 2 and unreacted NBODippK in toluene instead of THF afforded the target complex [U(NBODipp)3(Cl)(THF)] (3). Two-electron oxidation of 1 with AdN3 (Ad = 1-adamantyl) afforded the uranium(V)-imido complex [U(NBODipp)3(NAd)] (4). The solid-state structure of 1 reveals a uranium-arene bonding motif, and structural, spectroscopic, and DFT calculations all suggest modest uranium-arene δ-back-bonding with approximately equal donation into the arene π4 and π5 δ-symmetry π* molecular orbitals. Complex 4 exhibits a short uranium(V)-imido distance, and computational modeling enabled its electronic structure to be compared to related uranium-imido and uranium-oxo complexes, revealing a substantial 5f-orbital crystal field splitting and extensive mixing of 5f |ml,ms⟩ states and mj projections. Complexes 1-4 have been variously characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, 1H NMR, IR, UV/vis/NIR, and EPR spectroscopies, SQUID magnetometry, elemental analysis, and CONDON, F-shell, DFT, NLMO, and QTAIM crystal field and quantum chemical calculations.

Thorium(IV)-antimony complexes exhibiting single, double, and triple polar covalent metal-metal bonds

There is continued burgeoning interest in metal-metal multiple bonding to further our understanding of chemical bonding across the periodic table. However, although polar covalent metal-metal multiple bonding is well known for the d and p blocks, it is relatively underdeveloped for actinides. Homometallic examples are found in spectroscopic or fullerene-confined species, and heterometallic variants exhibiting a polar covalent σ bond supplemented by up to two dative π bonds are more prevalent. Hence, securing polar covalent actinide double and triple metal-metal bonds under normal experimental conditions has been a fundamental target. Here we exploit the protonolysis and dehydrocoupling chemistry of the parent dihydrogen-antimonide anion, to report one-, two- and three-fold thorium-antimony bonds, thus introducing polar covalent actinide-metal multiple bonding under normal experimental conditions between some of the heaviest ions in the periodic table with little or no bulky-substituent protection at the antimony centre. This provides fundamental insights into heavy element multiple bonding, in particular the tension between orbital-energy-driven and overlap-driven covalency for the actinides in a relativistic regime.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Terminal Iron(II)-PH2 Complex and a Series of Iron(II)-PH3 Complexes

Reported is the reaction of a series of iron(II) bisphosphine complexes with PH3 in the presence of NaBArF4 [where BArF4 = tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate]. The iron(II) bisphosphine reagents bear two chlorides or a hydride and a chloride motif. We have isolated six different cationic terminal-bound PH3 complexes and undertaken rigorous characterization by NMR spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and mass spectrometry, where the PH3 often remains intact during the ionization process. Unusual bis- and tris-PH3 complexes are among the compounds isolated. Changing the monophosphine from PH3 to PMe3 results in the formation of an unusual Fe7 cluster, but with no PMe3 being ligated. Finally, by using an iron(0) source, we have provided a rare example of a terminally bound iron-PH2 complex.

f-Element heavy pnictogen chemistry

The coordination and organometallic chemistry of the f-elements, that is group 3, lanthanide, and actinide ions, supported by nitrogen ligands, e.g. amides, imides, and nitrides, has become well developed over many decades. In contrast, the corresponding f-element chemisty with the heavier pnictogen analogues phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth has remained significantly underdeveloped, due largely to a lack of suitable synthetic methodologies and also the inherent hard(f-element)-soft(heavier pnictogen) acid-base mismatch, but has begun to flourish in recent years. Here, we review complexes containing chemical bonds between the f-elements and heavy pnictogens from phosphorus to bismuth that spans five decades of endeavour. We focus on complexes whose identity has been unambiguously established by structural authentication by single-crystal X-ray diffraction with respect to their synthesis, characterisation, bonding, and reactivity, in order to provide a representative overview of this burgeoning area. By highlighting that much has been achieved but that there is still much to do this review aims to inspire, focus and guide future efforts in this area.

Synthesis and Characterization of U≡C Triple Bonds in Fullerene Compounds

Despite decades of efforts, the actinide-carbon triple bond has remained an elusive target, defying synthesis in any isolable compound. Herein, we report the successful synthesis of uranium-carbon triple bonds in carbide-bridged bimetallic [U≡C-Ce] units encapsulated inside the fullerene cages of C72 and C78. The molecular structures of UCCe@C2n and the nature of the U≡C triple bond were characterized through X-ray crystallography and various spectroscopic analyses, revealing very short uranium-carbon bonds of 1.921(6) and 1.930(6) Å, with the metals existing in their highest oxidation states of +6 and +4 for uranium and cerium, respectively. Quantum-chemical studies further demonstrate that the C2n cages are crucial for stabilizing the [UVI≡C-CeIV] units through covalent and coordinative interactions. This work offers a new fundamental understanding of the elusive uranium-carbon triple bond and informs the design of complexes with similar bonding motifs, opening up new possibilities for creating distinctive molecular compounds and materials.

31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy as a Probe of Thorium-Phosphorus Bond Covalency: Correlating Phosphorus Chemical Shift to Metal-Phosphorus Bond Order

We report the use of solution and solid-state 31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with Density Functional Theory calculations to benchmark the covalency of actinide-phosphorus bonds, thus introducing 31P NMR spectroscopy to the investigation of molecular f-element chemical bond covalency. The 31P NMR data for [Th(PH2)(TrenTIPS)] (1, TrenTIPS = {N(CH2CH2NSiPri3)3}3-), [Th(PH)(TrenTIPS)][Na(12C4)2] (2, 12C4 = 12-crown-4 ether), [{Th(TrenTIPS)}2(μ-PH)] (3), and [{Th(TrenTIPS)}2(μ-P)][Na(12C4)2] (4) demonstrate a chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) ordering of (μ-P)3- > (═PH)2- > (μ-PH)2- > (-PH2)1- and for 4 the largest CSA for any bridging phosphido unit. The B3LYP functional with 50% Hartree-Fock mixing produced spin-orbit δiso values that closely match the experimental data, providing experimentally benchmarked quantification of the nature and extent of covalency in the Th-P linkages in 1-4 via Natural Bond Orbital and Natural Localized Molecular Orbital analyses. Shielding analysis revealed that the 31P δiso values are essentially only due to the nature of the Th-P bonds in 1-4, with largely invariant diamagnetic but variable paramagnetic and spin-orbit shieldings that reflect the Th-P bond multiplicities and s-orbital mediated transmission of spin-orbit effects from Th to P. This study has permitted correlation of Th-P δiso values to Mayer bond orders, revealing qualitative correlations generally, but which should be examined with respect to specific ancillary ligand families rather than generally to be quantitative, reflecting that 31P δiso values are a very sensitive reporter due to phosphorus being a soft donor that responds to the rest of the ligand field much more than stronger, harder donors like nitrogen.

Tetravalent Uranium and Thorium Complexes: Elucidating Disparate Reactivities of AnIVCl2 (An = U, Th) Supported by a Pyridine-Decorated Dianionic Ligand

Although synthesis, reactivity, and bonding of U(IV) and Th(IV) complexes have been extensively studied, direct comparison of fully analogous compounds is rare. Herein, we report corresponding complexes 1-U and 1-Th, in which U(IV) and Th(IV) are supported by the tetradentate pyridine-decorated dianionic ligand N₂NN' (1,1,1-trimethyl-N-(2-(((pyridin-2-ylmethyl)(2-((trimethylsilyl)amino)benzyl)amino)methyl)phenyl)silanamine). Although 1-U and 1-Th are structurally very similar, they display disparate reactivities with TMS₃SiK (tris(trimethylsilyl)silylpotassium). The reaction of (N₂NN')UCl₂ (1-U) and 1 equiv of TMS₃SiK in THF unexpectedly formed [Cl(N₂NN')U]₂O (2-U) featuring an unusual bent U-O-U moiety. In contrast, a salt elimination reaction between (N₂NN')ThCl₂ (1-Th) and 1 equiv of TMS₃SiK led to thorium complex 2-Th, in which the pyridyl group has undergone a 1,4-addition nucleophilic attack. Complex 2-Th serves as a synthon for preparing dimetallic bis-azide complex 3-Th by reaction with NaN₃. The complexes were characterized by X-ray crystal diffraction, solution NMR, FT-IR, and elemental analysis. Computations of the formation mechanism of 2-U from 1-U suggest reduced U(III) as a key intermediate for promoting the cleavage of the C-O bonds of THF. The inaccessible nature of Th(III) as an intermediate oxidation state explains the very different reactivity of 1-Th versus 1-U. Given that reactants 1-U and 1-Th and products 2-U and 2-Th all comprise tetravalent actinides, this is an unusual case of very disparate reactivity despite no net change in the oxidation state. Complexes 2-U and 3-Th provide a basis for the synthesis of other dinuclear actinide complexes with novel reactivity and properties.

Frustrated Lewis Pair Adduct of Atomic P(-1) as a Source of Phosphinidenes (PR), Diphosphorus (P2 ), and Indium Phosphide

We report phosphinidenes (PR) stabilized by an intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) chelate. These adducts include the parent phosphinidene, PH, which is accessed via thermolysis of coordinated HPCO. The reported FLP-PH species acts as a springboard to other phosphorus-containing compounds, such as FLP-adducts of diphosphorus (P₂ ) and InP₃ . Our new adducts participate in thermal- or light-induced phosphinidene elimination (of both PH and PR, R=organic group), transfer P₂ units to an organic substrate, and yield the useful semiconductor InP at only 110 °C from solution.

Actinide Pnictinidene Chemistry: A Terminal Thorium Parent-Arsinidene Complex Stabilised by a Super-Bulky Triamidoamine Ligand

We report the direct synthesis of the terminal pnictidenes [An(TrenTCHS )(PnH)][M(2,2,2-cryptand)] (TrenTCHS ={N(CH2 CH2 NSiCy3 )3 }3- ; An/Pn/M=Th/P/Na 5, Th/As/K 6, U/P/Na 7, U/As/K 8) and their conversion to the pnictides [An(TrenTCHS )(PnH2 )] (An/Pn=Th/P 9, Th/As 10, U/P 11, U/As 12). Use of the super-bulky TrenTCHS ligand was essential to accessing complete families, and 6 is an unprecedented example of a terminal thorium-arsinidene complex and only the second structurally authenticated parent terminal arsinidene complex of any metal. Comparison of the terminal Th=AsH unit of 6 to the bridging ThAs(H)K linkage in structurally analogous [Th(TrenTIPS ){μ-As(H)K(15-crown-5)}] (TrenTIPS ={N(CH2 CH2 NSiPri 3 )3 }3- ) reveals a stronger Th-As bond in the former compared to the latter, and a large response overall to the nature of the Th=AsH bonding upon removal of the electrostatically-bound K-ion; the σ-bond changes little but the π-bond is significantly perturbed.

Taming PH3: State of the Art and Future Directions in Synthesis

Appetite for reactions involving PH₃ has grown in the past few years. This in part is due to the ability to generate PH₃ cleanly and safely via digestion of cheap metal phosphides with acids, thus avoiding pressurized cylinders and specialized equipment. In this perspective we highlight current trends in forming new P–C/P–OC bonds with PH₃ and discuss the challenges involved with selectivity and product separation encumbering these reactions. We highlight the reactivity of PH₃ with main group reagents, building on the early pioneering work with transition metal complexes and PH₃. Additionally, we highlight the recent renewal of interest in alkali metal sources of H₂P^– which are proving to be useful synthons for chemistry across the periodic table. Such MPH₂ sources are being used to generate the desired products in a more controlled fashion and are allowing access to unexplored phosphorus-containing species.

Isolation of uranium(III) primary phosphido complexes

Low-valent uranium(III) primary phosphido complexes supported by hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate (Tp*) were synthesized with phosphines of varying steric and electronic profiles. Compounds were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹¹B, ³¹P NMR), infrared spectroscopy, electronic absorption spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and quantum chemical calculations.

Uranium-nitride chemistry: uranium-uranium electronic communication mediated by nitride bridges

Treatment of [U^IV(N₃)(Tren^TIPS)] (1, Tren^TIPS = {N(CH₂CH₂NSiPrⁱ₃)₃}^3-) with excess Li resulted in the isolation of [{U^IV(μ-NLi₂)(Tren^TIPS)}₂] (2), which exhibits a diuranium(IV) 'diamond-core' dinitride motif. Over-reduction of 1 produces [U^III(Tren^TIPS)] (3), and together with known [{U^V(μ-NLi)(Tren^TIPS)}₂] (4) an overall reduction sequence 1 → 4 → 2 → 3 is proposed. Attempts to produce an odd-electron nitride from 2 resulted in the formation of [{U^IV(Tren^TIPS)}₂(μ-NH)(μ-NLi₂)Li] (5). Use of heavier alkali metals did not result in the formation of analogues of 2, emphasising the role of the high charge-to-radius-ratio of lithium stabilising the charge build up at the nitride. Variable-temperature magnetic data for 2 and 5 reveal large low-temperature magnetic moments, suggesting doubly degenerate ground states, where the effective symmetry of the strong crystal field of the nitride dominates over the spin-orbit coupled nature of the ground multiplet of uranium(IV). Spin Hamiltonian modelling of the magnetic data for 2 and 5 suggest U⋯U anti-ferromagnetic coupling of -4.1 and -3.4 cm^-1, respectively. The nature of the U⋯U electronic communication was probed computationally, revealing a borderline case where the prospect of direct uranium-uranium bonding was raised, but in-depth computational analysis reveals that if any uranium-uranium bonding is present it is weak, and instead the nitride centres dominate the mediation of U⋯U electronic communication. This highlights the importance of obtaining high-level ab initio insight when probing potential actinide-actinide electronic communication and bonding in weakly coupled systems. The computational analysis highlights analogies between the 'diamond-core' dinitride of 2 and matrix-isolated binary U₂N₂.

Recent advances in the chemistry of the phosphaethynolate and arsaethynolate anions

Over the past decade, the reactivity of 2-phosphaethynolate (OCP^-), a heavier analogue of the cyanate anion, has been the subject of momentous interest in the field of modern organometallic chemistry. It is used as a precursor to novel phosphorus-containing heterocycles and as a ligand in decarbonylative processes, serving as a synthetic equivalent of a phosphinidene derivative. This perspective aims to describe advances in the reactivities of phosphaethynolate and arsaethynolate anions (OCE^-; E = P, As) with main-group element, transition metal, and f-block metal scaffolds. Further, the unique structures and bonding properties are discussed based on spectroscopic and theoretical studies.

Uranium(IV) Thio- and Selenoether Complexes: Syntheses, Structures, and Computational Investigation of U-ER2 Interactions

Rigid thioether- and selenoether-containing pincer proligands H[AS₂ Ph 2 ] (1) and H[ASe₂ Ph 2 ] (2) were synthesized, and deprotonation provided the potassium salts [K(AS₂ Ph 2 )(dme)] (3) and [K(ASe₂ Ph 2 )(dme)₂ ] (4). Reaction of two equivalents of 3 or 4 with [UI₄ (dioxane)₂ ] afforded the uranium thioether complex [(AS₂ Ph 2 )₂ UI₂ ] (5) and the first example of a uranium-selenoether complex, [(ASe₂ Ph 2 )₂ UI₂ ] (6). X-ray structures revealed distorted square antiprismatic geometries in which the AE₂ Ph 2 ligands are κ³ -coordinated. The nature of the U-ER₂ bonding in 5 and 6, as well as methyl-free analogues of 5 and 6 and a hypothetical ether analogue, was investigated computationally (including NBO, AIM, and ELF calculations) illustrating increasing covalency from O to S to Se.

Structural, Spectroscopic, and Computational Analysis of Heterometallic Thorium Phosphinidiide Complexes

To synthesize complexes with thorium-phosphorus multiple-bond character, reactions of (C₅Me₅)₂Th[P(H)Mes]₂ with monovalent alkali-metal bases, MN(SiMe₃)₂, as well as CuMes, have been investigated. The results with MN(SiMe₃)₂ are phosphinidiide complexes of the form {(C₅Me₅)₂Th[μ₂-P(Mes)][μ₂-P(H)Mes]M(L)_n}₂ (M = Na, n = 0; M = K, L = THF, n = 1; M = Rb, L = THF, n = 1; M = Cs, L = Et₂O, n = 1). With CuMes, the product is a Th₂Cu₃P₅ heterometallic structure, {(C₅Me₅)₂Th[(μ₂-P(H)Mes)P(Mes)]Cu}₂Cu[μ₂-P(H)Mes]. All complexes have been characterized using heteronuclear NMR and IR spectroscopy, density functional theory calculations, and their solid-state structure identified by X-ray crystallography. We also report the structure of {(C₅Me₅)₂Th[(μ₂-As(H)Mes)As(Mes)]Cu}₂Cu[μ₂-As(H)Mes] obtained from (C₅Me₅)₂Th[As(H)Mes]₂ with CuMes.

Synthesis and reactivity of the uranium phosphinidene metallocene [η5-1,3-(Me3Si)2C5H3]2U([double bond, length as m-dash]P-2,4,6-iPr3C6H2)(OPMe3): influence of the coordinated Lewis base

This paper describes the synthesis and reactivity of [η5-1,3-(Me3Si)2C5H3]2U([double bond, length as m-dash]P-2,4,6-iPr3C6H2)(OPMe3) (6) which is accessible from a ligand exchange reaction between [η5-1,3-(Me3Si)2C5H3]2U([double bond, length as m-dash]P-2,4,6-iPr3C6H2)(OPPh3) (2) and Me3PO at ambient temperature. Phosphinidene 6 exhibits no reactivity towards internal alkynes, but readily reacts with various hetero-unsaturated molecules such as isothiocyanates, aldehydes, nitriles, isonitriles, and organic azides, forming uranium sulfido, oxido, imido, and uranaheterocyclic compounds. Nevertheless, with the bidentate ortho-dicyanobenzene o-C6H4(CN)2 the zwitterionic species [η5-1,3-(Me3Si)2C5H3]2U[NHC(N){C6H4CP(2,4,6-iPr3C6H2)CH2PMe2O}] (13) is isolated in good yield. Moreover, 6 converts with Ph2S2 to the uranium(iii) phenylthiolate compound [η5-1,3-(Me3Si)2C5H3]2USPh(OPMe3) (7) in good isolated yield. Furthermore, the influence of the Lewis base on the reactivity of the uranium phosphinidene metallocenes has also been evaluated.

Recent developments in highly basic N-heterocyclic iminato ligands in actinide chemistry

In the last decade, major conceptual advances in the chemistry of actinide molecules and materials have been made to demonstrate their distinct reactivity profiles as compared to lanthanide and transition metal compounds, but some difficult questions remain concerning the intriguing stability of low-valent actinide complexes, and the importance of the 5f-orbitals in reactivity and bonding. The imidazolin-2-iminato moiety has been extensively used in ligands for the advancement of actinide chemistry owing to its unique capability of stabilizing the reactive and highly electrophilic metal ions by virtue of its strong electron donation and steric tunability. The current review article describes recent developments in the chemistry of light actinide metal ions (thorium and uranium) bearing these N-heterocyclic iminato moieties as supporting ligands. In addition, the effect of ring expansion of the N-heterocycle on the catalytic aptitude of the organoactinides is also described herein. The synthesis and reactivity of actinide complexes bearing N-heterocyclic iminato ligands are presented, and promising apposite applications are also presented. The current review focuses on addressing the catalytic behavior of actinide complexes with oxygen-containing substrates such as in the Tishchenko reaction, hydroelementation processes, and polymerization reactions. Actinide complexes have also found new catalytic applications, as demonstrated by the potent chemoselective carbonyl hydroboration and tandem proton-transfer esterification (TPTE) reaction, featuring coupling between an aldehyde and alcohol.

Fragmentation, catenation, and direct functionalisation of white phosphorus by a uranium(IV)-silyl-phosphino-carbene complex

Room temperature reaction of the uranium(iv)-carbene [U{C(SiMe3)(PPh2)}(BIPMTMS)(μ-Cl)Li(TMEDA)(μ-TMEDA)0.5]2 (1, BIPMTMS = C(PPh2NSiMe3)2) with white phosphorus (P4) produces the organo-P5 compound [P5{C(SiMe3)(PPh2)}2][Li(TMEDA)2] (2) and the uranium(iv)-methanediide [U{BIPMTMS}{Cl}{μ-Cl}2{Li(TMEDA)}] (3). This is an unprecedented example of cooperative metal-carbene P4 activation/insertion into a metal-carbon double bond and also an actinide complex reacting with P4 to directly form an organophosphorus species. Conducting the reaction at low temperature permits the isolation of the diuranium(iv) complex [{U(BIPMTMS)([μ-η2:η2-P2]C[SiMe3][PPh2])}2] (4), which then converts to 2 and 3. Thus, surprisingly, in contrast to all other actinide P4 reactivity, although this reaction produces catenation overall it proceeds via P4 cleavage to functionalised P2 units. Hence, this work establishes a proof of concept synthetic cycle for direct fragmentation, catenation, and functionalisation of P4.

Dipnictogen f-Element Chemistry: A Diphosphorus Uranium Complex

The first isolation and structural characterization of an f-element dinitrogen complex was reported in 1988, but an f-element complex with the first heavier group 15 homologue diphosphorus has to date remained unknown. Here, we report the synthesis of a side-on bound diphosphorus complex of uranium(IV) using a 7λ³-(dimethylamino)phosphadibenzonorbornadiene-mediated P atom transfer approach. Experimental and computational characterization reveals that the diphosphorus ligand is activated to its dianionic (P₂)^2- form and that in-plane U-P π-bonding dominates the bonding of the U(μ-η²:η²-P₂)U unit, which is supplemented by a weak U-P interaction of δ symmetry. A preliminary reactivity study demonstrates conversion of this diphosphorus complex to unprecedented uranium cyclo-P₃ complexes, suggesting in situ generation of transient, reactive phosphido species.

Reactivity studies involving a Lewis base supported terminal uranium phosphinidene metallocene [η5-1,3-(Me3C)2C5H3]2U(P-2,4,6-iPr3C6H2)(OPMe3)

Small variations in the phosphinidene substituents, but significant change the reactivity of the uranium phosphinidene complexes.

Experimental and Computational Studies on a Base-Free Terminal Uranium Phosphinidene Metallocene

The first stable base‐free terminal uranium phosphinidene metallocene is presented; and its structure and reactivity have been studied in detail and compared to that of the corresponding thorium derivative. Salt metathesis reaction of the methyl iodide uranium metallocene Cp’’’₂U(I)Me (2, Cp’’’=η⁵‐1,2,4‐(Me₃C)₃C₅H₂) with Mes*PHK (Mes*=2,4,6‐(Me₃C)₃C₆H₂) in THF yields the base‐free terminal uranium phosphinidene metallocene, Cp’’’₂U=PMes* (3). In addition, density functional theory (DFT) studies suggest substantial 5f orbital contributions to the bonding within the uranium phosphinidene [U]=PAr moiety, which results in a more covalent bonding between the [Cp’’’₂U]²⁺ and [Mes*P]²⁻ fragments than that for the related thorium derivative. This difference in bonding besides steric reasons causes different reactivity patterns for both molecules. Therefore, the uranium derivative 3 may act as a Cp’’’₂U(II) synthon releasing the phosphinidene moiety (Mes*P:) when treated with alkynes or a variety of hetero‐unsaturated molecules such as imines, thiazoles, ketazines, bipy, organic azides, diazene derivatives, ketones, and carbodiimides.

A Uranium(VI)-Oxo-Imido Dimer Complex Derived from a Sterically Demanding Triamidoamine

The reaction of [UO₂(μ-Cl)₄{K(18-crown-6)}₂] with [{N(CH₂CH₂NSiPrⁱ₃)₃}Li₃] gives [{UO(μ-NCH₂CH₂N[CH₂CH₂NSiPrⁱ₃]₂)}₂] (1), [{(LiCl)(KCl)(18-crown-6)}₂] (2), and [LiOSiPrⁱ₃] (3) in a 1:2:2 ratio. The formation of the oxo-imido 1 involves the cleavage of a N-Si bond and the activation of one of the usually robust U═O bonds of uranyl(VI), resulting in the formation of uranium(VI)-imido and siloxide linkages. Notably, the uranium oxidation state remains unchanged at +6 in the starting material and product. Structural characterization suggests the dominance of a core RN═U═O group, and the dimeric formulation of 1 is supported by bridging imido linkages in a highly asymmetric U₂N₂ ring. Density functional theory analyses find a σ > π orbital energy ordering for the U═N and U═O bonds in 1, which is uranyl-like in nature. Complexes 1-3 were characterized variously by single crystal X-ray diffraction, multinuclear NMR, IR, Raman, and optical spectroscopies; cyclic voltammetry; and density functional theory.

Isolation of Elusive Electrophilic Phosphinidene Complexes with π-Donor N-Heterocyclic Vinyl Substituents

Phosphinidene complexes of the general formula RPM(CO)_n (R = an alkyl or aryl group; M = a transition metal) are electrophilic and thermally unstable. Thus, the isolation of these elusive species for structural elucidations remains a challenge. Herein, we report the first terminal phosphinidene complexes [{(NHC)C(Ph)}P]Fe(CO)₄ [NHC = IPr = C{(NDipp)CH}₂ for 3; Me-IPr = C{(NDipp)CMe}₂ for 4; Dipp = 2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃; NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene] as red crystalline solids containing a π-donor N-heterocyclic vinyl (NHV) substituent at the phosphorus atom. Calculations reveal donor-acceptor type bonding between phosphorus and iron atoms in 3 and 4. The P → Fe donation represents ∼70% of the orbital interaction, whereas the Fe → P π-back-donation corresponds to ∼15% of the orbital interaction. The phosphorus atoms in 3 and 4 carry charges of +0.65e and +0.64e, respectively, indicating the electrophilic character of the phosphinidene {(NHC)C(Ph)}P moiety. Accordingly, 3 reacts with an NHC nucleophile (IMe₄) to yield the Lewis adduct [{(NHC)C(Ph)}P(IMe₄)]Fe(CO)₄ (5) [IMe₄ = C(NMeCMe)₂]. The coordination of an electron-rich NHC (IMe₄) to the phosphorus atom in 5 precludes the π-electron density transfer from the NHV to the phosphorus atom. Thus, the C_IPr-C_vinyl and C_vinyl-P bonds of 5 become shorter and longer, respectively, compared to those of 3.

Terminal uranium(V)-nitride hydrogenations involving direct addition or Frustrated Lewis Pair mechanisms

Despite their importance as mechanistic models for heterogeneous Haber Bosch ammonia synthesis from dinitrogen and dihydrogen, homogeneous molecular terminal metal-nitrides are notoriously unreactive towards dihydrogen, and only a few electron-rich, low-coordinate variants demonstrate any hydrogenolysis chemistry. Here, we report hydrogenolysis of a terminal uranium(V)-nitride under mild conditions even though it is electron-poor and not low-coordinate. Two divergent hydrogenolysis mechanisms are found; direct 1,2-dihydrogen addition across the uranium(V)-nitride then H-atom 1,1-migratory insertion to give a uranium(III)-amide, or with trimesitylborane a Frustrated Lewis Pair (FLP) route that produces a uranium(IV)-amide with sacrificial trimesitylborane radical anion. An isostructural uranium(VI)-nitride is inert to hydrogenolysis, suggesting the 5f¹ electron of the uranium(V)-nitride is not purely non-bonding. Further FLP reactivity between the uranium(IV)-amide, dihydrogen, and triphenylborane is suggested by the formation of ammonia-triphenylborane. A reactivity cycle for ammonia synthesis is demonstrated, and this work establishes a unique marriage of actinide and FLP chemistries.

Despite their importance as mechanistic models for Haber Bosch ammonia synthesis from N₂ and H₂, high oxidation state terminal metal-nitrides are notoriously unreactive towards H₂. Here, the authors report hydrogenolysis of a uranium(V)-nitride, which can occur directly or by Frustrated Lewis Pair chemistry with a borane ancillary.

Thorium(IV) and Uranium(IV) Phosphaazaallenes

The synthesis of tetravalent thorium and uranium complexes with the phosphaazaallene moiety, [N(tBu)C=P(C6H5)]2−, is described. The reaction of the bis(phosphido) complexes, (C5Me5)2An[P(C6H5)(SiMe3)]2, An = Th, U, with two equivalents of tBuNC produces (C5Me5)2An(CNtBu)[η2-(N,C)-N(tBu)C=P(C6H5)] with concomitant formation of P(SiMe3)2(C6H5) via silyl migration. These complexes are characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, as well as structurally determined using X-ray crystallography.

A complete series of uranium(iv) complexes with terminal hydrochalcogenido (EH) and chalcogenido (E) ligands E = O, S, Se, Te

We here report the synthesis and characterization of a complete series of terminal hydrochalcogenido, U-EH, and chalcogenido uranium(iv) complexes, U≡E (with E = O, S, Se, Te), supported by the (^Ad,MeArOH)₃tacn (1,4,7-tris(3-(1-adamantyl)-5-methyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) ligand system. Reaction of H₂E with the trivalent precursor [((^Ad,MeArO)₃tacn)U] (1) yields the corresponding uranium(iv) hydrochalcogenido complexes [((^Ad,MeArO)₃tacn)U(EH)] (2). Subsequent deprotonation of the terminal hydrochalcogenido species with KN(SiMe₃)₂, in the presence of 2.2.2-cryptand, gives access to the uranium(iv) complexes with terminal chalcogenido ligands [K(2.2.2-crypt)][((^Ad,MeArO)₃tacn)U≡E] (3). In order to study the influence of the varying terminal chalogenido ligands on the overall molecular and electronic structure, all complexes were studied by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry, UV/vis/NIR, electronic absorption, and IR vibrational spectroscopy as well as SQUID magnetometry and computational analyses (DFT, MO, NBO).

Oxidation of uranium(iv) mixed imido-amido complexes with PhEEPh and to generate uranium(vi) bis(imido) dichalcogenolates, U(NR)2(EPh)2(L)2

This work provides new routes for the conversion of U(iv) into U(vi) bis(imido) complexes and offers new information on the manner in which the U(vi) compounds form. Many compounds from the series described by the general formula U(NR)₂(EPh)₂(L)₂ (R = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl, tert-butyl; E = S, Se, Te; L = py, EPh) were synthesized via oxidation of an in situ generated U(iv) amido-imido species with Ph₂E₂. This synthetic sequence provides a general route into bis(imido) U(vi) chalcogenolate complexes, circumventing the need to perform problematic salt metathesis reactions on U(vi) iodides. Investigation into the speciation of the U(iv) complexes that form prior to oxidation found a significant dependence on the identity of the ancillary ligands, with ^tBu₂bpy forming the isolable imido-(bis)amido complex, U(NDipp)(NHDipp)₂(^tBu₂bpy)₂. Together, these data are consistent with the view that the bis(imido) U(vi) motif - much like the uranyl ion, UO₂²⁺- is a thermodynamic sink into which simple ligand frameworks are unable to prevent uranium from falling when in the presence of a suitable retinue of imido proligands.

Trapping of a Highly Bent and Reduced Form of 2-Phosphaethynolate in a Mixed-Valence Diuranium-Triamidoamine Complex

The chemistry of 2-phosphaethynolate is burgeoning, but there remains much to learn about this ligand, for example its reduction chemistry is scarce as this promotes P-C-O fragmentations or couplings. Here, we report that reduction of [U(Tren^TIPS )(OCP)] (Tren^TIPS =N(CH₂ CH₂ NSiPrⁱ ₃ )₃ ) with KC₈ /2,2,2-cryptand gives [{U(Tren^TIPS )}₂ {μ-η² (OP):η² (CP)-OCP}][K(2,2,2-cryptand)]. The coordination mode of this trapped 2-phosphaethynolate is unique, and derives from an unprecedented highly reduced and highly bent form of this ligand with the most acute P-C-O angle in any complex to date (P-C-O ∡ ≈127°). The characterisation data support a mixed-valence diuranium(III/IV) formulation, where backbonding from uranium gives a highly reduced form of the P-C-O unit that is perhaps best described as a uranium-stabilised OCP^2-. radical dianion. Quantum chemical calculations reveal that this gives unprecedented carbene character to the P-C-O unit, which engages in a weak donor-acceptor interaction with one of the uranium ions.

Thorium- and uranium-azide reductions: a transient dithorium-nitride versus isolable diuranium-nitrides

Molecular uranium-nitrides are now well known, but there are no isolable molecular thorium-nitrides outside of cryogenic matrix isolation experiments. We report that treatment of [M(Tren^DMBS)(I)] (M = U, 1; Th, 2; Tren^DMBS = {N(CH₂CH₂NSiMe₂Bu ^t )₃}^3-) with NaN₃ or KN₃, respectively, affords very rare examples of actinide molecular square and triangle complexes [{M(Tren^DMBS)(μ-N₃)} _n ] (M = U, n = 4, 3; Th, n = 3, 4). Chemical reduction of 3 produces [{U(Tren^DMBS)}₂(μ-N)][K(THF)₆] (5) and [{U(Tren^DMBS)}₂(μ-N)] (6), whereas photolysis produces exclusively 6. Complexes 5 and 6 can be reversibly inter-converted by oxidation and reduction, respectively, showing that these UNU cores are robust with no evidence for any C-H bond activations being observed. In contrast, reductions of 4 in arene or ethereal solvents gives [{Th(Tren^DMBS)}₂(μ-NH)] (7) or [{Th(Tren^DMBS)}{Th(N[CH₂CH₂NSiMe₂Bu ^t ]₂CH₂CH₂NSi[μ-CH₂]MeBu ^t )}(μ-NH)][K(DME)₄] (8), respectively, providing evidence unprecedented outside of matrix isolation for a transient dithorium-nitride. This suggests that thorium-nitrides are intrinsically much more reactive than uranium-nitrides, since they consistently activate C-H bonds to form rare examples of Th-N(H)-Th linkages with alkyl by-products. The conversion here of a bridging thorium(iv)-nitride to imido-alkyl combination by 1,2-addition parallels the reactivity of transient terminal uranium(iv)-nitrides, but contrasts to terminal uranium(vi)-nitrides that produce alkyl-amides by 1,1-insertion, suggesting a systematic general pattern of C-H activation chemistry for metal(iv)- vs. metal(vi)-nitrides. Surprisingly, computational studies reveal a σ > π energy ordering for all these bridging nitride bonds, a phenomenon for actinides only observed before in terminal uranium nitrides and uranyl with very short U-N or U-O distances.

Experimental and computational studies on a three-membered diphosphido thorium metallaheterocycle [η5-1,3-(Me3C)2C5H3]2Th[η2-P2(2,4,6-iPr3C6H2)2]

A three-membered diphosphido thorium metallaheterocycle complex was prepared and its reactivity was investigated.

Preparation of a potassium chloride bridged thorium phosphinidiide complex and its reactivity towards small organic molecules

The steric and electronic properties of the coordinated ligands modulate the reactivity of thorium phosphinidene complexes.

A base-free terminal thorium phosphinidene metallocene and its reactivity toward selected organic molecules

Small molecule activation mediated by a base-free terminal phosphinidene thorium metallocene is reported.

Oxidation of a phosphinidene oxide: formation of a dioxaphosphirane oxide with oxygen scrambling

The oxidation of a prototypical phosphinidene oxide FP[double bond, length as m-dash]O has been studied in O2-doped Ar and N2 matrices at 10 K. Upon 266 nm laser irradiation, FP[double bond, length as m-dash]O combines with O2 and yields the cyclic peroxide, dioxaphosphirane oxide FP([double bond, length as m-dash]O)(O2). Unexpected oxygen scrambling occurs during the oxygenation as evidenced by the observation of a 1 : 2 mixture of FP([double bond, length as m-dash]16O)(18O18O) and FP([double bond, length as m-dash]18O)(16O18O) when 18O2 was used. Quantum chemical calculations suggest that the scrambling happens via the intermediacy of the low-lying triplet FPO3 by passing minimum energy crossing points (MECPs). In addition, inorganic dioxophosphorane FP([double bond, length as m-dash]O)2 has been also identified among the oxidation products of FP[double bond, length as m-dash]O.