The activation of U=O bonds in uranyl complexes using directed coordination of Lewis acids will be presented. Unsymmetric, monodentate diarylamide ligands assemble around uranyl cations to create hydrophobic pockets proximate to the U=O bonds. The coordination of cationic Lewis acids is directed to uranyl-oxo ligands, primarily due to cooperative cation-p interactions that persist in solution. Directed Lewis acid coordination is shown to be reversible depending on the nature of the solvent. Implications in the coordination chemistry and reactivity of the uranyl complexes will be discussed.

Uranyl activation directed by noncovalent interactions

244th National Meeting (2012)

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