Linear versus Bent Uranium(II) Metallocenes─A Local Vibrational Mode Study

Conformation and Bonding of Lanthanide(III) Trihalides LnX3 (Ln = La-Lu; X = F, Cl, Br): A Relativistic Local Vibrational Mode Study

This study employed relativistic methods to investigate the connection between the conformation and bonding properties of 45 lanthanide trihalides LnX3 (Ln: La-Lu; X:F, Cl, Br). Our findings reveal several insights. The proper symmetry exhibited by open-shell LnX3 requires the inclusion of spin-orbit coupling, achieved with 2-component relativistic Hamiltonians. Fluorines (LnF3) primarily exhibit pyramidal structures, while chlorides and bromides tend to yield planar conformations. For a given halide, the strength of Ln-X bonds increases across the lanthanide series, another outcome of the lanthanide contraction. Both strength and covalency of Ln-X bonds decrease upon the halide, i.e., LnF3 > LnCl3 > LnBr3. We introduced a novel parameter, the local force constant associated with the dihedral β(X-Ln-X-X), ka(β), which quantifies the resistance of these molecules to conformational changes. We observed a correlation between ka(β) and the covalency of the Ln-X bond, with higher ka(β) values indicating a stronger covalent character. Finally, the degree of pyramidalization in the LnX3 structures is connected to (i) the extent of charge donation within the molecule and (ii) the greater covalency of the Ln-X bond. These findings provide valuable insights into the interplay between the electronic structure and molecular geometry in LnX3.

Influence of 1,2,4-Tri-tert-butylcyclopentadienyl Ligand on the Reactivity of the Thorium Bipyridyl Metallocene [η5-1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2]2Th(bipy)]

The thorium bipyridyl metallocene (Cp3tBu)2Th(bipy) (1; Cp3tBu = η5-1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2) shows a rich reactivity toward a series of small molecules. For example, complex 1 may act as a synthon for the (Cp3tBu)2Th(II) fragment as illustrated by its reactivity toward to CuI, hydrazine derivative (PhNH)2, Ph2E2 (E = S, Se), elemental sulfur (S8) and selenium (Se), organic azides, CS2, and isothiocyanates. Moreover, in the presence of polar multiple bonds, such as those in ketones Ph2CO and (CH2)5CO, aldehydes p-MePhCHO and p-ClPhCHO, seleno-ketone (p-MeOPh)2CSe, nitriles PhCN, Ph2CHCN, C6H11CN, and p-(NC)2Ph, and benzoyl cyanide PhCOCN, C-C coupling occurs to furnish (Cp3tBu)2Th[(bipy)(Ph2CO)] (10), (Cp3tBu)2Th[(bipy)((CH2)5CO)] (11), (Cp3tBu)2Th[(bipy)(p-MePhCHO)] (12), (Cp3tBu)2Th[(bipy)(p-ClPhCHO)] (13), (Cp3tBu)2Th[(bipy){(p-MeOPh)2CSe}] (14), (Cp3tBu)2Th[(bipy)(PhCN)] (16), (Cp3tBu)2Th[(bipy)(Ph2CHCN)] (17), (Cp3tBu)2Th[(bipy)(C6H11CN)] (18), [(Cp3tBu)2Th]2{μ-(bipy)[p-Ph(CN)2](bipy)} (20), and (Cp3tBu)2Th{(bipy)[PhC(CN)O]} (21), respectively. Nevertheless, ketazine (PhCH═N)2 or benzyl nitrile PhCH2CN forms the dimeric complexes [(Cp3tBu)Th]2[μ-NC(Ph)(bipy)]2 (15) and (Cp3tBu)2Th[(bipy){C(═CHPh)NH}] (19), respectively. In contrast, C-N bond cleavage and C-C coupling processes occur upon addition of isonitriles Me3CNC and C6H11NC to 1 to yield the thorium isocyanido amido complexes (Cp3tBu)2Th[4-(Me3C)bipy](NC) (22) and (Cp3tBu)2Th[4-(C6H11)bipy](NC) (23), respectively. Furthermore, a single-electron transfer (SET) process ensues when 1 equiv of CuI is added to 1 to yield the Th(VI) bipyridyl iodide complex (Cp3tBu)2Th(I)(bipy) (3).

Extraction of uranyl from spent nuclear fuel wastewater via complexation-a local vibrational mode study

CONTEXT

The efficient extraction of uranyl from spent nuclear fuel wastewater for subsequent reprocessing and reuse is an essential effort toward minimization of long-lived radioactive waste. N-substituted amides and Schiff base ligands are propitious candidates, where extraction occurs via complexation with the uranyl moiety. In this study, we extensively probed chemical bonding in various uranyl complexes, utilizing the local vibrational modes theory alongside QTAIM and NBO analyses. We focused on (i) the assessment of the equatorial O-U and N-U bonding, including the question of chelation, and (ii) how the strength of the axial U = O bonds of the uranyl moiety changes upon complexation. Our results reveal that the strength of the equatorial uranium-ligand interactions correlates with their covalent character and with charge donation from O and N lone pairs into the vacant uranium orbitals. We also found an inverse relationship between the covalent character of the equatorial ligand bonds and the strength of the axial uranium-oxygen bond. In summary, our study provides valuable data for a strategic modulation of N-substituted amide and Schiff base ligands towards the maximization of uranyl extraction.

METHOD

Quantum chemistry calculations were performed under the PBE0 level of theory, paired with the relativistic NESCau Hamiltonian, currently implemented in Cologne2020 (interfaced with Gaussian16). Wave functions were expanded in the cc-pwCVTZ-X2C basis set for uranium and Dunning's cc-pVTZ for the remaining atoms. For the bonding properties, we utilized the package LModeA in the local modes analyses, AIMALL in the QTAIM calculations, and NBO 7.0 for the NBO analyses.

Chemical bonding in Uranium-based materials: A local vibrational mode case study of Cs 2 UO 2 Cl 4 and UCl 4 crystals

The Local Vibrational Mode Analysis, initially applied to diverse molecular systems, was extended to periodic systems in 2019. This work introduces an enhanced version of the LModeA software, specifically designed for the comprehensive analysis of two and three-dimensional periodic structures. Notably, a novel interface with the Crystal package was established, enabling a seamless transition from molecules to periodic systems using a unified methodology. Two distinct sets of uranium-based systems were investigated: (i) the evolution of the Uranyl ion (UO  2 2 + ) traced from its molecular configurations to the solid state, exemplified by Cs  2 UO  2 Cl  4 and (ii) Uranium tetrachloride (UCl  4 ) in both its molecular and crystalline forms. The primary focus was on exploring the impact of crystal packing on key properties, including IR and Raman spectra, structural parameters, and an in-depth assessment of bond strength utilizing local mode perspectives. This work not only demonstrates the adaptability and versatility of LModeA for periodic systems but also highlights its potential for gaining insights into complex materials and aiding in the design of new materials through fine-tuning.

Metal-ring interactions in group 2 ansa-metallocenes: assessed with the local vibrational mode theory

Ansa-metallocenes, a vital class of organometallic compounds, have attracted significant attention due to their diverse structural motifs and their pivotal roles in catalysis and materials science. We investigated 37 distinct group 2 ansa-metallocenes at the B3LYP-D3/def2-TZVP level of theory. Utilizing local mode force constants derived from our local vibrational mode theory, including a special force constant directly targeting the metal-ring interaction, we could unveil latent structural differences between solvated and non-solvated metallocenophanes and the influence of the solvent on complex stability and structure. We could quantify the intrinsic strength of the metal-cyclopentadienyl (M-Cp) bonds and the influence of the bridging motifs on the stiffness of the Cp-M-Cp angles, another determinant of complex stability. LMA was complemented by the analysis of electronic density, utilizing the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), which confirmed both the impact of solvent coordination on the strength of the M-Cp bond(s) and the influence of the bridging motif on the Cp-M-Cp angles. The specific effect of the ansa-motif on the M-Cp interaction was further elucidated by a comparison with linear/bent metallocene structures. In summary, our results identify the local mode analysis as an efficient tool for unraveling the intricate molecular properties of ansa-metallocenes and their unique structural features.

Bis(acyl)phosphide Complexes of U(III)/U(IV): A Case of a Hidden Redox-Active Ligand

The recently reported tris(bis(2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoyl)-phosphide)uranium (UIII(trippBAP)3, 2) complex (Inorg. Chem. 2022, 61 (32), 12508-12517) demonstrated a silent 31P NMR spectrum. This complex was described as a U(III) complex with an organic radical ligand fragment. Moreover, the EPR spectrum of 2 was indicative of an organic radical in the ligand framework complexed to uranium, in contrast to that of UIV(mesBAP)4, 1. Herein, with the help of relativistic density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the electronic structures of 1, 2, and U(mesBAP)3 (4) are examined in an effort to understand the unusual 31P NMR spectrum of 2. Results indicate the reduction of the carbonyl bonds and delocalization of the electrons over the ligands, indicative of U → L backbonding. Additionally, the reduced acyl carbons are found to exist as ketyl radicals [O═C• -] that are responsible for the silent 31P NMR spectra of 2. These findings demonstrate the redox noninnocent nature of BAP- in 2 and 4, causing uranium to exist in a formal oxidation state of +4.

Synthesis and Structure of [η5-1,2,4-(Me3Si)3C5H2]2Th(bipy) and Its Reactivity toward Small Molecules

Halide exchange of (Cp3tms)2ThCl2 (1; Cp3tms = η5-1,2,4-(Me3Si)3C5H2) with Me3SiI furnishes (Cp3tms)2ThI2 (2), which is then reduced with potassium graphite (KC8) in the presence of 2,2'-bipyridine to give the thorium bipyridyl metallocene (Cp3tms)2Th(bipy) (3) in good yield. Complex 3 was fully characterized and readily reacted with various small molecules. For example, 3 may serve as a synthetic equivalent for the (Cp3tms)2Th(II) fragment when exposed to CuI, Ph2S2, organic azides, and CS2. Moreover, upon the addition of thiobenzophenone Ph2CS, p-methylbenzaldehyde (p-MeC6H4)CHO, benzophenone Ph2CO, amidate PhCONH(p-tolyl), seleno-ketone (p,p'-dimethoxy), selenobenzophenone (p-MeOPh)2CSe, di(p-tolyl)methanimine (p-tolyl)2C═NH, 1,2-di(benzylidene)hydrazine (PhCH═N)2, and nitriles PhCN, PhCH2CN, and Ph2CHCN C-C coupling results to give (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy)(Ph2CS)] (8), (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy)(p-MePhCHO)] (9), (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy)(Ph2CO)] (10), (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy){(p-tolylNH)(Ph)CO}] (11), (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy){(p-MeOPh)2CSe}] (12), (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy){(p-tolyl)2CNH}] (13), (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy)(PhCHNN═CHPh)] (14), (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy)(PhCN)] (16), (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy)(PhCH2CN)] (17), and (Cp3tms)2Th[(bipy)(Ph2CHCN)] (18), respectively. However, when thiazole is added to 3, the dimeric sulfido complex [(Cp3tms)2Th]2[μ-(bipy)CH2NCHCHS]2 (15) can be isolated. Moreover, the addition of isonitriles such as Me3CNC and PhCH2NC to 3 results in C-N bond cleavage and C-C coupling processes to form the thorium isocyanido amido complexes (Cp3tms)2Th[4-(Me3C)bipy](NC) (19) and (Cp3tms)2Th[4-(PhCH2)bipy](NC) (20), respectively. Nevertheless, upon exposure of 3 to (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane Me3SiCHN2, the bis-amido complex (Cp3tms)2Th[5,6-(Me3SiCH)bipy] (21), concomitant with N2 release, is isolated.

Uranyl Affinity between Uranyl Cation and Different Kinds of Monovalent Anions: Density Functional Theory and Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship Model

In order to design effective extractants for uranium extraction from seawater, it is imperative to acquire a more comprehensive understanding of the bonding properties between the uranyl cation (UO22+) and various ligands. Therefore, we employed density functional theory to investigate the complexation reactions of UO22+ with 29 different monovalent anions (L-1), exploring both mono- and bidentate coordination. We proposed a novel concept called "uranyl affinity" (Eua) to facilitate the establishment of a standardized scale for assessing the ease or difficulty of coordination bond formation between UO22+ and diverse ligands. Furthermore, we conducted an in-depth investigation into the underlying mechanisms involved. During the process of uranyl complex [(UO2L)+] formation, lone pair electrons from the coordinating atom in L- are transferred to either the lowest unoccupied molecular degenerate orbitals 1ϕu or 1δu of the uranyl ion, which originate from the uranium atom's 5f unoccupied orbitals. In light of discussion concerning the mechanisms of coordination bond formation, quantitative structure-property relationship analyses were conducted to investigate the correlation between Eua and various structural descriptors associated with the 29 ligands under investigation. This analysis revealed distinct patterns in Eua values while identifying key influencing factors among the different ligands.

Unveiling Hidden Shake-Up Features in the Uranyl M4-Edge Spectrum

The M4,5-edge high energy resolution X-ray absorption near-edge structure (HR-XANES) spectra of actinyls offer valuable insights into the electronic structure and bonding properties of heavy-element complexes. To conduct a comprehensive spectral analysis, it is essential to employ computational methods that accurately account for relativistic effects and electron correlation. In this work, we utilize variational relativistic multireference configurational interaction methods to compute and analyze the X-ray M4-edge absorption spectrum of uranyl. By employing these advanced computational techniques, we achieve excellent agreement between the calculated spectral features and experimental observations. Moreover, the calculations unveil significant shake-up features, which arise from the intricate interplay between strongly correlated 3d core-electron and ligand excitations. This research provides important theoretical insights into the spectral characteristics of heavy-element complexes. Furthermore, it establishes the foundation for utilizing M4,5-edge spectroscopy as a means to investigate the chemical activities of such complexes. By leveraging this technique, we can gain a deeper understanding of the bonding behavior and reactivity of heavy-element compounds.