A Metallocene Bis(phosphoranocarbene) of Uranium and a Probe of Its Reactivity with Alcohols

The addition of 2 equiv of the phosphaylide H2C═PPh3 to the dimethyl uranium metallocene Cp*2UMe2 (Cp* = η5-C5Me5) in toluene with gentle heating at 40 °C generates the phosphorano-stabilized bis(carbene) Cp*2U[C(H)PPh3]2 (1) in good yield. Characterization of 1 by X-ray crystallographic analysis reveals two short uranium-carbon bonds, ranging from 2.301(5) to 2.322(5) Å, consistent with the presence of U═C carbene-type bonds. Monitoring the reaction by NMR spectroscopy suggests that it proceeds through the intermediate formation of the methyl carbene complex Cp*2U[C(H)PPh3](Me) (1Int); however, prolonged heating of these solutions leads to the ortho-cyclometalated carbene species Cp*2U{κ2-[C(H)PPh2(C6H4)]} (2) via intramolecular C-H activation. Rapid conversion from 1 to 2 occurs within hours upon heating its toluene solutions to 100 °C. Preliminary reactivity studies of 1 show that it readily reacts with alcohols, such as HODipp (Dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) and HOC(CF3)3, to give the mixed carbene alkoxide compounds Cp*2U[C(H)PPh3](OR) (R = Dipp (4Dipp), C(CF3)3 (5CF3)). In one case, the reaction of 1 with HODipp in the presence of adventitious water led to the formation of a few crystals of the terminal U(IV) oxo complex, [Ph3PCH3][Cp*2U(O)(ODipp)] (3oxo). The isolation of 1 marks the first instance of an unchelated, heteroatom-stabilized bis(carbene) complex of uranium that also provides an entryway to the synthesis of its monocarbene derivatives through protonolysis.

From a mercury(II) bis(yldiide) complex to actinide yldiides

The bis(yldiide) mercury complex, (L-Hg-L) [L = C(PPh3)P(S)Ph2], is prepared from the corresponding potassium yldiide and used to access the first substituted yldiide actinide complexes [(C5Me5)2An(L)(Cl)] (An = U, Th) via salt metathesis. Compared to previously reported phosphinocarbene complexes, the complexes exhibit long actinide-carbon distances, which can be explained by the strong polarization of the π-electron density toward carbon.

Role of Bis(phosphinimino)methanides as Universal Ligands in the Coordination Sphere of Metals across the Periodic Table

The coordination chemistry of bis(phosphinimino)methanide ligands is widespread and accompanies a large number of metal ions in the periodic table ranging from lithium to neptunium. This unique class of ligand systems show copious coordination chemistry with the main-group, transition, rare-earth, and actinide metals and are considered to be among the most attractive ligand systems to researchers. The bis(phosphinimino)methanide metal complexes offer an extensive range of applications in various fields and have been demonstrated as one of the universal ligand systems to stabilize the metal ions in not only their usual but also their unusual oxidation states. The main-group and transition metal chemistry using bis(phosphinimino)methanides as ligands was last updated almost a decade ago. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of various state-of-the-art bis(phosphinimino)methanide-supported metal complexes by dealing with their synthesis, characterization, reactivity, and catalytic studies which were not included in the last critical reviews.

Revisiting sp2 Dilithio Methandiides: From Geometric Curiosity to Simple Bonding Description

The reported tetracoordinate dilithio methandiide complex from Liddle and co-workers (1) is investigated from a coordination chemistry perspective, to probe the origin of its intriguing geometry. Through the application of a variety of computational techniques, non-covalent (steric, electrostatic) interactions are found to be dominant. Further, we arrive at a bonding description which emphasizes the tricoordinate sp2 -hybridized nature of the central methandiide carbon, differing somewhat from the original proposal. Thus, 1 is distinct from other dilithio methandiides since it contains only one C-Li σ-bond, and is found to be comparable to a simple aryllithium compound, phenyllithium.

USc2C2 and USc2NC Clusters with U-C Triple Bond Character Stabilized Inside Fullerene Cages

The chemistry of f-block metal-carbon multiple bonds is underdeveloped compared to well-established carbene complexes of the d-block transition metals. Herein, we report two new actinide-rare earth mixed metal carbides and nitrogen carbide cluster fullerenes, USc2C2@D5h(6)-C80 and USc2NC@D5h(6)-C80, which contain U-C bonds with triple bond character and were successfully synthesized and characterized by mass spectrometry, UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and DFT calculations. Crystallographic studies show that the two previously unreported clusters, USc2C2 and USc2NC, are stabilized in the D5h(6)-C80 carbon cage and adopt unique trifoliate configurations, in which C2/NC units are almost vertically inserted into the plane defined by the U and two Sc atoms. Combined experimental and theoretical studies further reveal the bonding structure of USc2C2 and USc2NC, which contain C═U(VI)═C and C═U(V)═N bonding motifs. The electronic structures of the two compounds are determined as U6+(Sc2)6+(C4-)2@D5h(6)-C804- and U5+(Sc2)6+(N)3-(C)4-@D5h(6)-C804-, respectively. Quantum-chemical studies confirm that the U-C bonds in both molecules show unprecedented multicenter triple-bond character. The discovery of this unique U-C multiple bond offers a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of uranium chemistry.

Homoleptic Uranium-Bis(acyl)phosphide Complexes

The first uranium bis(acyl)phosphide (BAP) complexes were synthesized from the reaction between sodium bis(mesitoyl)phosphide (Na(^mesBAP)) or sodium bis(2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoyl)phosphide (Na(^trippBAP)) and UI₃(1,4-dioxane)_1.5. Thermally stable, homoleptic BAP complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, when appropriate, for the elucidation of the electronic structure and bonding of these complexes. EPR spectroscopy revealed that the BAP ligands on the uranium center retain a significant amount of electron density. The EPR spectrum of the trivalent U(^trippBAP)₃ has a rhombic signal near g = 2 (g₁ = 2.03; g₂ = 2.01; and g₃ = 1.98) that is consistent with the EPR-observed unpaired electron being located in a molecular orbital that appears ligand-derived. However, upon warming the complex to room temperature, no resonance was observed, indicating the presence of uranium character.

Redox-induced reversible P-P coupling in a uranium complex

A synthesized redox-active multidentate N-P ligand reacted with UCl₄ in the presence of KHMDS or ⁿBuLi, where two novel U(IV) complexes with or without P-P coupling were formed, respectively. The reversible P-P coupling in these complexes was observed in redox-induced reactions.

Isolation of a Uranium(III)-Carbon Multiple Bond Complex

Low-valent uranium-element multiple bond complexes remain scarce, though there is burgeoning interest regarding to their bonding and reactivity. Herein, isolation of a uranium(III)-carbon double bond complex [(Cp*)2 U(CDP)](BPh4 ) (1) comprising a tridentate carbodiphosphorane (CDP) was reported for the first time. Oxidation of 1 afforded the corresponding U(IV) complex [(Cp*)2 U(CDP)](BPh4 )2 (2). The distance between U and C in 2 is 2.481 Å, indicating the existence of a typical U=C double bond, which is further confirmed by quantum chemical calculations. Bonding analysis suggested that the CDP also serves as both σ- and π-donor in complex 1, though a longer U-C bond (2.666(3) Å) is observed. It implies that 1 is the first isolable mononuclear uranium(III) carbene complex. Moreover, these results suggest that CDPs are promising ligands to establish other low-valent f-block metal-carbon multiple bond complexes.

Synthesis, structural characterization, and bonding analysis of two-coordinate copper(I) and silver(I) complexes of pyrrole-based bis(phosphinimine): new metal-pyrrole ring π-interactions

The reaction between 2,5-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyrrole and Me3SiN3 gave the new pyrrole-based bis(phosphinimine) L1H in an excellent yield. L1H reacts with [CuCl(COD)]2, AgBF4, or AgOTf to give the corresponding two-coordinate mononuclear ionic complex formulated as [M{(L1H)-κ2N,N}]+[X]- where M = Cu and Ag; X = [CuCl2], BF4 or OTf. Their single crystal X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the two-coordinate geometry formed by the chelate bonding mode of L1H. These 10-membered metalacycles exhibit planar chirality and were also characterized by spectroscopic methods. In addition, in all three structures, there exists a hitherto unknown π-interaction between the pyrrole ring atoms and metal, represented as η2-(Cα-N) in the copper(i) complex, and η3-(Cα-N-Cα') in the silver(i) complexes. These weak interactions were supported by DFT calculations in terms of their electron densities, non-covalent interaction plots and the decrease in the aromaticity of the pyrrole ring.

Isolation and structure determination of a tetrameric sulfonyl dilithio methandiide in solution based on crystal structure analysis and 6Li/13C NMR spectroscopic data

Dilithio sulfonyl methandiides are a synthetically and structurally highly interesting group of functionalized geminal dianions. Although very desirable, knowledge of the structure of dilithio methandiides in solution was lacking up to now. Herein, we describe the isolation and determination of the structure of tetrameric dilithio (trimethylsilyl)(phenylsulfonyl) methandiide in solution and in the crystal. The elucidation of the structure of the tetramer is based on crystal structure analysis and ¹³C/⁶Li NMR spectroscopic data. A characteristic feature of the structure of the tetramer is the C₂ symmetric C–Li chain, composed of four doubly Li-coordinated dianionic carbon and five Li atoms. Three Li atoms are devoid of a contact to a dianionic C atom. The tetramer, the dianionic C atoms of which undergo fast exchange, is in THF solution in fast equilibrium with a further aggregate, which is stable only at low temperatures.

Structure and magnetism of a tetrahedral uranium(iii) β-diketiminate complex

We describe the functionalisation of the previously reported uranium(iii) β-diketiminate complex (BDI)UI₂(THF)₂ (1) with one and two equivalents of a sterically demanding 2,6-diisopropylphenolate ligand (ODipp) leading to the formation of two heteroleptic complexes: [(BDI)UI(ODipp)]₂ (2) and (BDI)U(ODipp)₂ (3). The latter is a rare example of a tetrahedral uranium(iii) complex, and it shows single-molecule magnet behaviour.

Geminal Dianions Stabilized by Main Group Elements

This review is dedicated to the chemistry of stable and isolable species that bear two lone pairs at the same C center, i.e., geminal dianions, stabilized by main group elements. Three cases can thus be considered: the geminal-dilithio derivative, for which the two substituents at C are neutral, the yldiide derivatives, for which one substituent is neutral while the other is charged, and finally the geminal bisylides, for which the two substituents are positively charged. In this review, the syntheses and electronic structures of the geminal dianions are presented, followed by the studies dedicated to their reactivity toward organic substrates and finally to their coordination chemistry and applications.

Applications of boroxide ligands in supporting small molecule activation by U(iii) and U(iv) complexes

The boroxide ligand [OBAr2]- (Ar = Mes, Trip) is shown to be able to support both UIII and UIV centres for the first time. The synthesis and structures of homoleptic and heteroleptic UIII and UIV complexes are reported. The UX3 complex with larger substituents, [U(OBTrip2)3]2, exhibits greater thermal stability compared to less encumbered [U(OBMes2)3]2 but reacts with a smaller range of the small molecules tested to date. Initial studies on their capacity to participate in small molecule chemistry show that dark purple [U(OBMes2)3]2 binds and/or reductively activates a variety of small molecules such as pyridine-oxide, triphenylphosphineoxide, sulfur, and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. While [U(OBMes2)3]2 shows no reaction with CO or CO2, [U(OBTrip2)3]2 is oxidised by both, in the former case forming [U(OBTrip2)4], and in the latter case forming a small quantity of the structurally characterised μ-carbonate product [(μ-CO3){U(OBTrip2)3}2].

Uranium(III)-carbon multiple bonding supported by arene δ-bonding in mixed-valence hexauranium nanometre-scale rings

Despite the fact that non-aqueous uranium chemistry is over 60 years old, most polarised-covalent uranium-element multiple bonds involve formal uranium oxidation states IV, V, and VI. The paucity of uranium(III) congeners is because, in common with metal-ligand multiple bonding generally, such linkages involve strongly donating, charge-loaded ligands that bind best to electron-poor metals and inherently promote disproportionation of uranium(III). Here, we report the synthesis of hexauranium-methanediide nanometre-scale rings. Combined experimental and computational studies suggest overall the presence of formal uranium(III) and (IV) ions, though electron delocalisation in this Kramers system cannot be definitively ruled out, and the resulting polarised-covalent U = C bonds are supported by iodide and δ-bonded arene bridges. The arenes provide reservoirs that accommodate charge, thus avoiding inter-electronic repulsion that would destabilise these low oxidation state metal-ligand multiple bonds. Using arenes as electronic buffers could constitute a general synthetic strategy by which to stabilise otherwise inherently unstable metal-ligand linkages.

Silyl-Phosphino-Carbene Complexes of Uranium(IV)

Unprecedented silyl-phosphino-carbene complexes of uranium(IV) are presented, where before all covalent actinide-carbon double bonds were stabilised by phosphorus(V) substituents or restricted to matrix isolation experiments. Conversion of [U(BIPMTMS )(Cl)(μ-Cl)2 Li(THF)2 ] (1, BIPMTMS =C(PPh2 NSiMe3 )2 ) into [U(BIPMTMS )(Cl){CH(Ph)(SiMe3 )}] (2), and addition of [Li{CH(SiMe3 )(PPh2 )}(THF)]/Me2 NCH2 CH2 NMe2 (TMEDA) gave [U{C(SiMe3 )(PPh2 )}(BIPMTMS )(μ-Cl)Li(TMEDA)(μ-TMEDA)0.5 ]2 (3) by α-hydrogen abstraction. Addition of 2,2,2-cryptand or two equivalents of 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) to 3 gave [U{C(SiMe3 )(PPh2 )}(BIPMTMS )(Cl)][Li(2,2,2-cryptand)] (4) or [U{C(SiMe3 )(PPh2 )}(BIPMTMS )(DMAP)2 ] (5). The characterisation data for 3-5 suggest that whilst there is evidence for 3-centre P-C-U π-bonding character, the U=C double bond component is dominant in each case. These U=C bonds are the closest to a true uranium alkylidene yet outside of matrix isolation experiments.

New supporting ligands in actinide chemistry: tetramethyltetraazaannulene complexes with thorium and uranium

We report the synthesis, characterization, and preliminary reactivity of new heteroleptic thorium and uranium complexes supported by the macrocyclic TMTAA ligand (TMTAA = Tetramethyl-tetra-aza-annulene). The dihalide complexes Th(TMTAA)Cl₂(THF)₂ (1), [UCl₂(TMTAA)]₂ (2) and U(TMTAA)I₂ (3) are further functionalized to the Cp* derivatives ThCp*(TMTAA)Cl (4), UCp*(TMTAA)Cl (5) and UCp*(TMTAA)I (6) (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienide). Compounds 4-6 are also obtained through a one-pot reaction from standard thorium(iv) and uranium(iv) starting materials, Li2TMTAA and KCp*. Complexes 1-6 function as valuable starting materials for salt metathesis chemistry. Treatment of precursors 4 or 5 with trimethylsilylmethyllithium (LiCH₂TMS) results in the new actinide TMTAA alkyl complexes ThCp*(TMTAA)(CH₂TMS) (7) and UCp*(TMTAA)(CH₂TMTS) (8), respectively. The TMTAA-derived alkyl complexes (7 and 8) show unexpected stability and are stable for several weeks at room temperature in solution and in the solid-state. Additionally, double substitution of the halide ligands in 1-3 shows a strong dependence on the nucleophile used. While weaker nucleophiles, such as amides, and more sterically demanding nucleophiles, such as Cp (Cp = cyclopenadienide), favour the formation of bis-TMTAA "sandwich" complexes [An(TMTAA)₂] (An = Th (9) and An = U (10)), the use of oxygen-functionalized ligands like the ODipp anion (Dipp = diisopropylphenyl) results in the formation of the doubly substituted species Th(ODipp)₂TMTAA (11) and U(ODipp)₂TMTAA (12). We also describe the divergent reactivity of the TMTAA ligand towards uranium(iii). Unlike the syntheses of actinide(iv) TMTAA complexes, the synthesis of a uranium(iii) TMTAA was not successful and only uranium(iv) species could be obtained.

Insight into the nature of M–C bonding in the lanthanide/actinide-biscarbene complexes: a theoretical perspective

The An/Ln–C bonding nature was explored using relativistic theory. Inclusion of Np and Pu extends understanding to later actinides bonding.

Rare-Earth- and Uranium-Mesoionic Carbenes: A New Class of f-Block Carbene Complex Derived from an N-Heterocyclic Olefin

Neutral mesoionic carbenes (MICs) have emerged as an important class of carbene, however they are found in the free form or ligated to only a few d-block ions. Unprecedented f-block MIC complexes [M(N'')3 {CN(Me)C(Me)N(Me)CH}] (M=U, Y, La, Nd; N''=N(SiMe3 )2 ) are reported. These complexes were prepared by a formal 1,4-proton migration reaction when the metal triamides [M(N'')3 ] were treated with the N-heterocyclic olefin H2 C=C(NMeCH)2 , which constitutes a new, general way to prepare MIC complexes. Quantum chemical calculations on the 5f3 uranium(III) complex suggest the presence of a U=C donor-acceptor bond, composed of a MIC→U σ-component and a U(5f)→MIC(2p) π-back-bond, but for the d0 f0 Y and La and 4f3 Nd congeners only MIC→M σ-bonding is found. Considering the generally negligible π-acidity of MICs, this is surprising and highlights that greater consideration should possibly be given to recognizing MICs as potential π-acid ligands when coordinated to strongly reducing metals.

Uranium triamidoamine chemistry

Triamidoamine (Tren) complexes of the p- and d-block elements have been well-studied, and they display a diverse array of chemistry of academic, industrial and biological significance. Such in-depth investigations are not as widespread for Tren complexes of uranium, despite the general drive to better understand the chemical behaviour of uranium by virtue of its fundamental position within the nuclear sector. However, the chemistry of Tren-uranium complexes is characterised by the ability to stabilise otherwise reactive, multiply bonded main group donor atom ligands, construct uranium-metal bonds, promote small molecule activation, and support single molecule magnetism, all of which exploit the steric, electronic, thermodynamic and kinetic features of the Tren ligand system. This Feature Article presents a current account of the chemistry of Tren-uranium complexes.

Reactivity of the uranium(IV) carbene complex [U(BIPM(TMS))(Cl)(μ-Cl)₂Li(THF)₂] (BIPM(TMS) = {C(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂}) towards carbonyl and heteroallene substrates: metallo-Wittig, adduct formation, C-F bond activation, and [2 + 2]-cycloaddition reactions

The reactivity of the uranium(IV) carbene complex [U(BIPM(TMS))(Cl)(μ-Cl)2Li(THF)2] (1, BIPM(TMS) = {C(PPh2NSiMe3)2}) towards carbonyl and heteroallene substrates is reported. Reaction of 1 with benzophenone proceeds to give the metallo-Wittig terminal alkene product Ph2C=C(PPh2NSiMe3)2 (2); the likely "UOCl2" byproduct could not be isolated. Addition of the bulky ketone PhCOBu(t) to 1 resulted in loss of LiCl, coordination of the ketone, and dimerisation to give [U(BIPM(TMS))(Cl)(μ-Cl){OC(Ph)(Bu(t))}]2 (3). The reaction of 1 with coumarin resulted in ring opening of the cyclic ester and a metallo-Wittig-type reaction to afford [U{BIPM(TMS)[C(O)(CHCHC6H4O-2)]-κ(3)-N,O,O'}(Cl)2(THF)] (4) where the enolate product remains coordinated to uranium. The reaction of PhCOF with 1 resulted in C-F bond activation and oxidation resulting in isolation of [U(O)2(Cl)2(μ-Cl)2{(μ-LiDME)OC(Ph)=C(PPh2NSiMe3)(PPh2NHSiMe3)}2] (5) along with [U(Cl)2(F)2(py)4] (6). The reactions of 1 with tert-butylisocyanate or dicyclohexylcarbodiimide resulted in the isolation of the [2 + 2]-cycloaddition products [U{BIPM(TMS)[C(NBu(t)){OLi(THF)2(μ-Cl)Li(THF)3}]-κ(4)-C,N,N',N''}(Cl)3] (7) and [U{BIPM(TMS)[C(NCy)2]-κ(4)-C,N,N',N''}(Cl)(μ-Cl)2Li(THF)2] (8). Complexes 2-8 have been variously characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction, multi-nuclear NMR and FTIR spectroscopies, Evans method solution magnetic moments, variable temperature SQUID magnetometry, and elemental analyses.

Cleavage of an aryl carbon–nitrogen bond of a phosphazido iron(ii) complex promoted by hydride metathesis

The unexpected reaction of a Fe(ii) enamidophosphazide complex with KBEt₃H, which results in the elimination of N₂ and 1,3-Me₂C₆H₄ to generate a dinuclear Fe(ii) derivative with bridging phosphinimido units, is presented along with mechanistic studies.

Formation of a zwitterionic boronium species from the reaction of a stable carbenoid with borane: CO2 reduction

The treatment of Li2C(PPh2NMes)2 (1, Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2) with hexachloroethane yielded the corresponding carbenoid 2 in good yields. The reactivity of 2 was studied with BH3·SMe2 to give a zwitterionic boronium species 4, also a stable carbenoid. Both carbenoid species were found to be excellent catalysts for the CO2 reduction by BH3·SMe2.

Two-electron reductive carbonylation of terminal uranium(V) and uranium(VI) nitrides to cyanate by carbon monoxide

Two-electron reductive carbonylation of the uranium(VI) nitride [U(Tren(TIPS))(N)] (2, Tren(TIPS)=N(CH2CH2NSiiPr3)3) with CO gave the uranium(IV) cyanate [U(Tren(TIPS))(NCO)] (3). KC8 reduction of 3 resulted in cyanate dissociation to give [U(Tren(TIPS))] (4) and KNCO, or cyanate retention in [U(Tren(TIPS))(NCO)][K(B15C5)2] (5, B15C5=benzo-15-crown-5 ether) with B15C5. Complexes 5 and 4 and KNCO were also prepared from CO and the uranium(V) nitride [{U(Tren(TIPS))(N)K}2] (6), with or without B15C5, respectively. Complex 5 can be prepared directly from CO and [U(Tren(TIPS))(N)][K(B15C5)2] (7). Notably, 7 reacts with CO much faster than 2. This unprecedented f-block reactivity was modeled theoretically, revealing nucleophilic attack of the π* orbital of CO by the nitride with activation energy barriers of 24.7 and 11.3 kcal mol(-1) for uranium(VI) and uranium(V), respectively. A remarkably simple two-step, two-electron cycle for the conversion of azide to nitride to cyanate using 4, NaN3 and CO is presented.

The ketimide ligand is not just an inert spectator: heteroallene insertion reactivity of an actinide-ketimide linkage in a thorium carbene amide ketimide complex

The ketimide anion R2C=N(-) is an important class of chemically robust ligand that binds strongly to metal ions and is considered ideal for supporting reactive metal fragments due to its inert spectator nature; this contrasts with R2N(-) amides that exhibit a wide range of reactivities. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of a rare example of an actinide ketimide complex [Th(BIPM(TMS)){N(SiMe3)2}(N=CPh2)] [2, BIPM(TMS)=C(PPh2NSiMe3)2]. Complex 2 contains Th=C(carbene), Th-N(amide) and Th-N(ketimide) linkages, thereby presenting the opportunity to probe the preferential reactivity of these linkages. Importantly, reactivity studies of 2 with unsaturated substrates shows that insertion reactions occur preferentially at the Th-N(ketimide) bond rather than at the Th=C(carbene) or Th-N(amide) bonds. This overturns the established view that metal-ketimide linkages are purely inert spectators.

Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of a uranium(VI) carbene imido oxo complex

We report the uranium(VI) carbene imido oxo complex [U(BIPM(TMS))(NMes)(O)(DMAP)2] (5, BIPM(TMS) = C(PPh2 NSiMe3)2; Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2; DMAP = 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine) which exhibits the unprecedented arrangement of three formal multiply bonded ligands to one metal center where the coordinated heteroatoms derive from different element groups. This complex was prepared by incorporation of carbene, imido, and then oxo groups at the uranium center by salt elimination, protonolysis, and two-electron oxidation, respectively. The oxo and imido groups adopt axial positions in a T-shaped motif with respect to the carbene, which is consistent with an inverse trans-influence. Complex 5 reacts with tert-butylisocyanate at the imido rather than carbene group to afford the uranyl(VI) carbene complex [U(BIPM(TMS))(O)2(DMAP)2] (6).