Single-Electron Uranyl Reduction by a Rare-Earth Cation

摘要

Unlike their transition-metal analogues, the oxo groups of the uranyl dication, [UO2]~(2+), which has a linear geometry and short, strong U-O bonds are commonly considered inert.'11 Very little Lewis base character has been demonstrated for the uranyl oxo groups, which makes them poor models for the heavier, highly radioactive transuranic actinyl cations such as neptunyl [NpO2]~(n+)(n = 1, 2). The heavier actinyls are important components in nuclear waste and demonstrate oxo basicity that can give rise to poorly understood cluster formation and problems in nuclear waste PUREX separation processes. However, it has been shown recently that the more Lewis basic, pentavalent uranyl cation, [UO2]~+, can be stabilized indefinitely using suitable equatorial-binding ligands and anaerobic conditions.