Lanthanide(III)/Actinide(III) Differentiation in Mixed Cyclopentadienyl/Dithiolene Compounds from X-ray Diffraction and Density Functional Theory Analysis

Relativistic Quantum Chemical Investigation of Actinide Covalency Measured by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

We investigate actinide covalency effects in two [AnCptt3] (An = Th, U) complexes recently studied with pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, using the Hyperion package to obtain relativistic hyperfine coupling constants from relativistic multiconfigurational wave functions. 1H and 13C HYSCORE simulations using the computed parameters show excellent agreement with the experimental data, highlighting the accuracy of modern relativistic ab initio methods. The extent of covalency indicated from the calculations on [ThCptt3] is in agreement with the original report based on traditional spectral fitting methods, while the covalency in [UCptt3] is found to be previously overestimated. The latter is due to the paramagnetic spin-orbit effect that arises naturally in a relativistic theory of hyperfine coupling and yet was not accounted for in the original study, thus highlighting the necessity of relativistic approaches for the interpretation of magnetic resonance data pertaining to actinides.

Contrasting behaviour under pressure reveals the reasons for pyramidalization in tris(amido)uranium(III) and tris(arylthiolate) uranium(III) molecules

A range of reasons has been suggested for why many low-coordinate complexes across the periodic table exhibit a geometry that is bent, rather a higher symmetry that would best separate the ligands. The dominating reason or reasons are still debated. Here we show that two pyramidal UX₃ molecules, in which X is a bulky anionic ligand, show opposite behaviour upon pressurisation in the solid state. UN″₃ (UN3, N″ = N(SiMe₃)₂) increases in pyramidalization between ambient pressure and 4.08 GPa, while U(SAr)₃ (US3, SAr = S-C₆H₂-^tBu₃−2,4,6) undergoes pressure-induced planarization. This capacity for planarization enables the use of X-ray structural and computational analyses to explore the four hypotheses normally put forward for this pyramidalization. The pyramidality of UN3, which increases with pressure, is favoured by increased dipole and reduction in molecular volume, the two factors outweighing the slight increase in metal-ligand agostic interactions that would be formed if it was planar. The ambient pressure pyramidal geometry of US3 is favoured by the induced dipole moment and agostic bond formation but these are weaker drivers than in UN3; the pressure-induced planarization of US3 is promoted by the lower molecular volume of US3 when it is planar compared to when it is pyramidal.

The reasons for which many low-coordinate complexes exhibit bent geometry, rather than a higher symmetry, are still under debate. Here, the authors use high-pressure crystallography to examine whether low-coordinate f-block molecules become more planar or pyramidal under pressure; which happens is dictated by the dipole moment of the complex and the volume of the planar form.

Uranium Going the Soft Way: Low-Valent Uranium(III) Coordinated to an Arene-Anchored Tris-Thiophenolate Ligand

The synthesis of a tripodal, S-based ligand, namely the mesitylene-anchored, tris-thiophenolate-functionalized (mes(^Me,AdArS)₃)^3- (1)^3-, and its coordination chemistry with low-valent uranium to form [U^III((SAr^Ad,Me)₃mes)] (1-U) are reported. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals a C₃-symmetric molecular structure. Full characterization of 1-U was performed using nuclear magnetic resonance, UV-vis-NIR electronic absorption, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies as well as SQUID magnetometry, thus confirming the U(III) oxidation state. Alternating current magnetic studies show that 1-U exhibits single-molecule magnet behavior at low temperatures in a non-zero external field. Comparison of these results to those of the previously reported mesitylene-anchored complexes, [U^III((OAr^Ad,Me)₃mes)] and [U^III((OAr^tBu,tBu)₃mes)], indicates a drastic change in the electronic structure when moving from phenolate-based ligands to thiophenolate-based 1, which is further discussed by means of computational analysis (NBO, DFT, and QTAIM). Despite the U-O bonds being stronger, a much higher covalency was found for the U-S analogue.

Tailoring the selectivity of phenanthroline derivatives for the partitioning of trivalent Am/Eu ions – a relativistic DFT study

Preferential binding of actinides over lanthanides using tailored phenanthroline derivative ligands through relativistic DFT calculations.

Redox chemistry of an anionic dithiolene radical

The redox reactivity of a stable anionic dithiolene radical has been explored, giving the corresponding dithiolate and neutral dithiolene dimers.

Structural Characteristics, Population Analysis, and Binding Energies of [An(NO3)]2+ (with An = Ac to Lr)

Efficient predictive capabilities are essential for the actinide series since regulatory constraints for radioactive work, associated costs needed for specialized facilities, and the short half-lives of many actinides present great challenges in laboratory settings. Improved predictive accuracy is advantageous for numerous applications including the optimization and design of separation agents for nuclear fuel and waste. One limitation of calculations in support of these applications is that the large variations observed from predictions obtained with currently available methods can make comparisons across studies uncertain. Benchmarking currently available computational methodologies is essential to establish reliable practices across the community to guarantee an accurate physical description of the systems studied. To understand the performance of a variety of common theoretical methods, a systematic analysis of differences observed in the prediction of structural characteristics, electron withdrawing effects, and binding energies of [An(NO3)]2+ (with An = Ac to Lr) in gas and aqueous phases is reported. Population analysis obtained with Mulliken and Löwdin reflect a large dependence on the level of theory of choice, whereas those obtained with natural bond orbital show larger consistency across methodologies. Predicted stability across the actinide series calculated with coupled cluster with perturbative doubles and triples at the triple ζ level is equivalent to the one obtained when extrapolated to the complete basis set limit. The ground state of [Fm(NO3)]2+ and [Md(NO3)]2+ is predicted to have an electronic structure corresponding to An III state in gas and An IV in aqueous phase, whereas the ground state of [An(NO3)]2+ (with An = Ac to Es, Lr) presents an electronic structure corresponding to An IV in the gas and aqueous phase. The compounds studied with No in gas and aqueous phase present a preferred No III state, and the Lr compounds did not follow trends predicted for the rest of the actinide series, as previously observed in studies regarding its unusual electronic structure relative to its position in the periodic table.

Four-electron reduction chemistry using a uranium(iii) phosphido complex

The first uranium(iii) phosphido complex is reported.

Multi-electron reduction of sulfur and carbon disulfide using binuclear uranium(iii) borohydride complexes

The first use of a dinuclear UIII/UIII complex in the activation of small molecules is reported. The octadentate Schiff-base pyrrole, anthracene-hinged 'Pacman' ligand LA combines two strongly reducing UIII centres and three borohydride ligands in [M(THF)4][{U(BH4)}2(μ-BH4)(LA)(THF)2] 1-M, (M = Li, Na, K). The two borohydride ligands bound to uranium outside the macrocyclic cleft are readily substituted by aryloxide ligands, resulting in a single, weakly-bound, encapsulated endo group 1 metal borohydride bridging the two UIII centres in [{U(OAr)}2(μ-MBH4)(LA)(THF)2] 2-M (OAr = OC6H2t Bu3-2,4,6, M = Na, K). X-ray crystallographic analysis shows that, for 2-K, in addition to the endo-BH4 ligand the potassium counter-cation is also incorporated into the cleft through η5-interactions with the pyrrolides instead of extraneous donor solvent. As such, 2-K has a significantly higher solubility in non-polar solvents and a wider U-U separation compared to the 'ate' complex 1. The cooperative reducing capability of the two UIII centres now enforced by the large and relatively flexible macrocycle is compared for the two complexes, recognising that the borohydrides can provide additional reducing capability, and that the aryloxide-capped 2-K is constrained to reactions within the cleft. The reaction between 1-Na and S8 affords an insoluble, presumably polymeric paramagnetic complex with bridging uranium sulfides, while that with CS2 results in oxidation of each UIII to the notably high UV oxidation state, forming the unusual trithiocarbonate (CS3)2- as a ligand in [{U(CS3)}2(μ-κ2:κ2-CS3)(LA)] (4). The reaction between 2-K and S8 results in quantitative substitution of the endo-KBH4 by a bridging persulfido (S2)2- group and oxidation of each UIII to UIV, yielding [{U(OAr)}2(μ-κ2:κ2-S2)(LA)] (5). The reaction of 2-K with CS2 affords a thermally unstable adduct which is tentatively assigned as containing a carbon disulfido (CS2)2- ligand bridging the two U centres (6a), but only the mono-bridged sulfido (S)2- complex [{U(OAr)}2(μ-S)(LA)] (6) is isolated. The persulfido complex (5) can also be synthesised from the mono-bridged sulfido complex (6) by the addition of another equivalent of sulfur.

New perspectives in organolanthanide chemistry from redox to bond metathesis: insights from theory

A fifteen year contribution of computational studies carried out in close synergy with experiments is summarized.

Trivalent uranium phenylchalcogenide complexes: exploring the bonding and reactivity with CS2 in the Tp*2UEPh series (E = O, S, Se, Te)

The trivalent uranium phenylchalcogenide series, Tp*2UEPh (Tp* = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate, E = O (1), S (2), Se (3), Te (4)), has been synthesized to investigate the nature of the U-E bond. All compounds have been characterized by (1)H NMR, infrared and electronic absorption spectroscopies, and in the case of 4, X-ray crystallography. Compound 4 was also studied by SQUID magnetometry. Computational studies establish Mulliken spin densities for the uranium centers ranging from 3.005 to 3.027 (B3LYP), consistent for uranium-chalcogenide bonds that are primarily ionic in nature, with a small covalent contribution. The reactivity of 2-4 toward carbon disulfide was also investigated and showed reversible CS2 insertion into the U(III)-E bond, forming Tp*2U(κ(2)-S2CEPh) (E = S (5), Se (6), Te (7)). Compound 5 was characterized crystallographically.

Redox properties of biscyclopentadienyl uranium(V) imido-halide complexes: a relativistic DFT study

Calculations of ionization energies (IE) and electron affinities (EA) of a series of biscyclopentadienyl imido-halide uranium(V) complexes Cp*2U(=N-2,6-(i)Pr2-C6H3)(X) with X =  F, Cl, Br, and I, related to the U(IV)/U(V) and U(V)/U(VI) redox systems, were carried out, for the first time, using density functional theory (DFT) in the framework of the relativistic zeroth order regular approximation (ZORA) coupled with the conductor-like screening model (COSMO) solvation approach. A very good linear correlation (R(2) =  0.993) was obtained, between calculated ionization energies at the ZORA/BP86/TZP level, and the experimental half-wave oxidation potentials E1/2. A similar linear correlation between the computed electron affinities and the electrochemical reduction U(IV)/U(III) potentials (R(2) =  0.996) is obtained. The importance of solvent effects and of spin-orbit coupling is definitively confirmed. The molecular orbital analysis underlines the crucial role played by the 5f orbitals of the central metal whereas the Nalewajski-Mrozek (N-M) bond indices explain well the bond distances variations following the redox processes. The IE variation of the complexes, i.e., IE(F) < IE(Cl) < IE(Br) < IE(I) is also well rationalized considering the frontier MO diagrams of these species. Finally, this work confirms the relevance of the Hirshfeld charges analysis which bring to light an excellent linear correlation (R(2) =  0.999) between the variations of the uranium charges and E1/2 in the reduction process of the U(V) species.

Soft scorpionate coordination at alkali metals

Reported here are the single-crystal X-ray structure analyses of bis-μ-methanol-κ(4)O:O-bis{[hydrotris(3-phenyl-2-sulfanylidene-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,3-imidazol-1-yl)borato-κ(3)H,S,S'](methanol-κO)sodium(I)}, [Na2(C27H22BN6S3)2(CH4O)4] (NaTm(Ph)), bis-μ-methanol-κ(4)O:O-bis{[hydrotris(3-isopropyl-2-sulfanylidene-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,3-imidazol-1-yl)borato-κ(3)H,S,S'](methanol-κO)sodium(I)}-diethyl ether-methanol (1/0.3333/0.0833), [Na2(C18H28BN6S3)2(CH4O)4]·0.3333C4H10O·0.0833CH3OH (NaTm(iPr)), and a novel anhydrous form of sodium hydrotris(methylthioimidazolyl)borate, poly[[μ-hydrotris(3-methyl-2-sulfanylidene-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,3-imidazol-1-yl)borato]sodium(I)], [Na(C12H16BN6S3)] ([NaTm(Me)]n). NaTm(iPr) and NaTm(Ph) have similar dimeric molecular structures with κ(3)H,S,S'-bonding, but they differ in that NaTm(Ph) is crystallographically centrosymmetric (Z' = 0.5) while NaTm(iPr) contains one crystallographically centrosymmetric dimer and one dimer positioned on a general position (Z' = 1.5). [NaTm(Me)]n is a one-dimensional coordination polymer that extends along the a direction and which contains a hitherto unseen side-on η(2)-C=S-to-Na bond type. An overview of the structural preferences of alkali metal soft scorpionate complexes is presented. This analysis suggests that these thione-based ligands will continue to be a rich source of interesting alkali metal motifs worthy of isolation and characterization.

Density functional theory investigation of the redox properties of tricyclopentadienyl- and phospholyluranium(IV) chloride complexes

The redox behavior of tricyclopentadienyl- and phospholyluranium(IV) chloride complexes L(3)UCl with L = C(5)H(5) (Cp), C(5)H(4)Me (MeCp), C(5)H(4)SiMe(3) (TMSCp), C(5)H(4)(t)Bu ((t)BuCp), C(5)Me(5) (Cp*), and C(4)Me(4)P (tmp), has been investigated using relativistic density functional theory calculations, with the solvent being taken into account using the conductor-like screening model. A very good linear correlation (r(2) = 0.99) has been obtained between the computed electron affinities of the L(3)UCl complexes and the experimental half-wave reduction potentials E(1/2) related to the U(IV)/U(III) redox systems. From a computational point of view, our study confirms the crucial importance of spin-orbit coupling and solvent corrections and the use of an extended basis set in order to achieve the best experiment-theory agreement. Considering oxidation of the uranium(IV) complexes, the instability of the uranium(V) derivatives [L(3)UCl](+) is revealed, in agreement with experimental electrochemical findings. The driving roles of both the electron-donating ability of the L ligand and the U 5f orbitals on the redox properties of the complexes are brought to light. Interestingly, we found and explained the excellent correlation between variations of the uranium Hirschfeld charges following U(IV)/U(III) electron capture and E(1/2). In addition, this work allowed one to estimate theoretically the half-wave reduction potential of [Cp*(3)UCl].

First 5f-element complexes with the tetradentate BTBP ligand. Synthesis and crystal structure of uranyl(VI) compounds with CyMe4BTBP

Treatment of [UO2(OTf)2] or [UO2I2(thf)3] with 1 equiv. of CyMe4BTBP in anhydrous acetonitrile led to the formation of [UO2(CyMe4BTBP)(OTf)2] (1) and [UO2(CyMe4BTBP)I2] (2) which crystallized as the cationic forms [UO2(CyMe4BTBP)(py)][OTf]2 (3) and [UO2I(CyMe4BTBP)][I] (4) in pyridine and acetonitrile, respectively. These compounds are unique examples of structurally characterized actinide complexes with a BTBP molecule; this ligand adopts a planar conformation in the equatorial plane of the {UO2}2+ ion. In pyridine, 1 is dissociated into [UO2(OTf)2(py)3] and free CyMe4BTBP and the thermodynamic parameters (K, ΔH, ΔS) of this equilibrium have been determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The ethoxide derivative [UO2(OEt)(CyMe4BTBP)][OTf] (5) crystallized from a solution of 1 in a mixture of ethanol and acetone under air, and the dinuclear μ-oxo complex [{UO2(CyMe4BTBP)}2(μ-O)][I]2 (6) was obtained from [UO2I(thf)2.7] and CyMe4BTBP. The crystal structures of 6 and of the analogous derivatives [{UO2(py)4}2(μ-O)][I]2 (7) and [{UO2(TPTZ)(py)}2(μ-O)][I3]2 (8) exhibit a flexible [{UO2}–O–{UO2}]2+ moiety.

Lanthanide(III) and actinide(III) complexes [M(BH4)2 (THF)5][BPh4] and [M(BH4)2(18-crown-6)][BPh4] (M = Nd, Ce, U): synthesis, crystal structure, and density functional theory investigation of the covalent contribution to metal-borohydride bonding

Treatment of [M(BH4)3(THF)3] with NEt3HBPh4 in THF afforded the cationic complexes [M(BH4)2(THF)5][BPh4] [M = U (1), Nd (2), Ce (3)] which were transformed into [M(BH4)2(18-crown-6)][BPh4] [M = U (4), Nd (5), Ce (6)] in the presence of 18-crown-6; [U(BH4)2(18-thiacrown-6)][BPh4] (7) was obtained from 1 and 18-thiacrown-6 in tetrahydro-thiophene. Compounds 1, 3.C4H8S, 4.THF, 5, and 6.THF exhibit a penta- or hexagonal bipyramidal crystal structure with the two terdentate borohydride ligands in apical positions; the BH4 groups in the crystals of 7.C4H8S are in relative cis positions, and the thiacrown-ether presents a saddle shape, with two diametrically opposite sulfur atoms bound to uranium in trans positions. The crystal structures of these complexes, as well as those of previously reported [M(BH4)2(THF)5]+ cations, do not reveal any clear-cut lanthanide(III)/actinide(III) differentiation. The structural data obtained for [M(BH4)2(18-crown-6)]+ (M = U, Ce) by relativistic density functional theory (DFT) calculations are indicative of a small shortening of the U...B with respect to the Ce...B distance, which is accompanied by a lengthening of the U-Hb bonds and an opening of the Hb-B-Hb angle (Hb = bridging hydrogen atom of the eta3-BH4 ligand). The Mulliken population analysis and the natural bond orbital analysis indicate that the BH4 -->M(III) donation is greater for M = U than for M = Ce, as well as the overlap population of the M-Hb bond, thus showing a better interaction between the uranium 5f orbitals and the Hb atoms. The more covalent character of the B-H-U three-center two-electron bond was confirmed by the molecular orbital (MO) analysis. Three MOs represent the pi bonding interactions between U(III) and the three Hb atoms with significant 6d and 5f orbital contributions. These MOs in the cerium(III) complex exhibit a much lesser metallic weight with practically no participation of the 4f orbitals.

Analysis of Uranium Azide and Nitride Complexes by Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (APCI-MS) has been used to characterize the air-sensitive paramagnetic organouranium azide and nitride complexes [(C5Me5)2UN3(mu-N3)]3 and [(C5Me5)U(mu-I)2]3N, respectively. The trimetallic complex [(C5Me5)U(mu-I)2]3E had been identified by X-ray crystallography, but the data did not definitively identify E as N3- versus O2- or (OH)-, a common problem in heavy-element nitride complexes involving metals with variable oxidation states. A comparison of the 250 degrees C APCI-MS spectra of products made from NaN3 and Na15NNN showed mixed [M]+ and [M + H]+ envelopes at expected ion intensities for the 14N and 15N isotopomers. A compilation of U-C(C5Me5) and U-I bond distance data for U3+ and U4+ is also reported that shows that the ranges for the two oxidation states have significant overlap.

The first cyclopentadienyl complex of uranyl

The U(IV) linear pentacyano metallocene [U(C(5)Me(5))(2)(CN)(5)][NEt(4)](3) reacted with 2 molar equivalents of pyridine N-oxide in THF or acetonitrile to give the U(VI) complex [UO(2)(C(5)Me(5))(CN)(3)][NEt(4)](2), the first uranyl species containing the cyclopentadienyl ligand; the crystal structure revealed that the steric effects of the (C(5)Me(5)) ligand force the {UO(2)}2+ ion to deviate from linearity.

Organolanthanide mediated catalytic cycles: a computational perspective

In this perspective the contribution of recent theoretical studies to our understanding of lanthanide (Ln) catalysis is explored. In general, the results of computational studies have proven consistent with available experimental evidence. Considerable success has been obtained in elucidating the mechanisms for C-H bond activation (sigma-bond metathesis in particular) and the addition of C-X bonds across an unsaturated functionality (and the hydroamination of alkenes in particular). Ln catalysts are computationally challenging because relativistic effects are important, and large ligands are required to restrict high coordination numbers, in addition to limiting facile redistribution processes. Thus, key technical issues relating to the computational investigation of organolanthanide complexes are discussed. Increasing computational resources have seen studies expand from the optimisation of simple molecules to the study of catalytic cycles where the Ln is coordinated by larger and more complex ligands. The ability of theoretical studies to complement experimental developments by supplying a deeper understanding of the mechanistic process is reviewed with emphasis on the elucidation of transition state structures, intermediates, spectator ligand coordination, and negative entropy steps. Recent computational investigations of the catalytic cycle for Ln mediated hydroamination are a focus, as these have provided substantial and detailed rationalisations for the regio- and stereo-selectivity of inter- and intra-molecular hydroamination. Examination of transition state geometries and electronic structure appears to offer insights that could be used to facilitate the rational design of new Ln-based catalysts.