Perrhenate Complexation by Uranyl in Traditional Solvents and in Ionic Liquids: A Joint Molecular Dynamics/Spectroscopic Study

Direct Photocatalyzed Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT) for Aliphatic C-H Bonds Elaboration

Direct photocatalyzed hydrogen atom transfer (d-HAT) can be considered a method of choice for the elaboration of aliphatic C–H bonds. In this manifold, a photocatalyst (PC_HAT) exploits the energy of a photon to trigger the homolytic cleavage of such bonds in organic compounds. Selective C–H bond elaboration may be achieved by a judicious choice of the hydrogen abstractor (key parameters are the electronic character and the molecular structure), as well as reaction additives. Different are the classes of PCs_HAT available, including aromatic ketones, xanthene dyes (Eosin Y), polyoxometalates, uranyl salts, a metal-oxo porphyrin and a tris(amino)cyclopropenium radical dication. The processes (mainly C–C bond formation) are in most cases carried out under mild conditions with the help of visible light. The aim of this review is to offer a comprehensive survey of the synthetic applications of photocatalyzed d-HAT.

Microstructural and Dynamical Heterogeneities in Ionic Liquids

Ionic liquids (ILs) are a special category of molten salts solely composed of ions with varied molecular symmetry and charge delocalization. The versatility in combining varied cation-anion moieties and in functionalizing ions with different atoms and molecular groups contributes to their peculiar interactions ranging from weak isotropic associations to strong, specific, and anisotropic forces. A delicate interplay among intra- and intermolecular interactions facilitates the formation of heterogeneous microstructures and liquid morphologies, which further contributes to their striking dynamical properties. Microstructural and dynamical heterogeneities of ILs lead to their multifaceted properties described by an inherent designer feature, which makes ILs important candidates for novel solvents, electrolytes, and functional materials in academia and industrial applications. Due to a massive number of combinations of ion pairs with ion species having distinct molecular structures and IL mixtures containing varied molecular solvents, a comprehensive understanding of their hierarchical structural and dynamical quantities is of great significance for a rational selection of ILs with appropriate properties and thereafter advancing their macroscopic functionalities in applications. In this review, we comprehensively trace recent advances in understanding delicate interplay of strong and weak interactions that underpin their complex phase behaviors with a particular emphasis on understanding heterogeneous microstructures and dynamics of ILs in bulk liquids, in mixtures with cosolvents, and in interfacial regions.

Complexation thermodynamics of tetraalkyl diglycolamides with trivalent f-elements in ionic liquids: spectroscopic, microcalorimetric and computational studies

The thermodynamics of lanthanide complexation with DGA ligands was studied in an ionic liquid.

Structural Role of Isonicotinic Acid in U(VI), Np(VI), and Pu(VI) Complexes with TcO4-, ReO4-, and ClO4- Ions

A series of new pertechnetate, perrhenate, and perchlorate compounds of hexavalent U, Np, and Pu containing isonicotinic acid were synthesized. Their crystal structures were determined by X-ray diffractometry. In all compounds, actinide atoms are found in pentagonal bipyramidal surroundings. They are coordinated by 2 to 4 isonicotinic acid molecules which exist in zwitterionic form as a result of N atom protonation. If only 2 or 3 isonicotinic acid molecules are present in the surroundings of an actinide (An) atom, TcO₄^- or ReO₄^- anions act as monodentate ligands. Otherwise, XO₄^- play the role of outer sphere anions. Electron and IR spectra of the compounds correlate with their crystal structure.

Exploring actinide materials through synchrotron radiation techniques

Synchrotron radiation (SR) based techniques have been utilized with increasing frequency in the past decade to explore the brilliant and challenging sciences of actinide-based materials. This trend is partially driven by the basic needs for multi-scale actinide speciation and bonding information and also the realistic needs for nuclear energy research. In this review, recent research progresses on actinide related materials by means of various SR techniques were selectively highlighted and summarized, with the emphasis on X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scattering spectroscopy, which are powerful tools to characterize actinide materials. In addition, advanced SR techniques for exploring future advanced nuclear fuel cycles dealing with actinides are illustrated as well.

Comparing extraction, synergism and separation of lanthanoids using acidic and neutral compounds in chloroform and one ionic liquid: is the latter always “better”?

Five lanthanoid ions were extracted with 3-methyl-1-phenyl-4-(4-trifluoromethylbenzoyl)-pyrazol-5-one alone and in combination with partially substituted calix[4]arenes as synergistic agents using CHCl₃ and one IL.