Since our synthesis of bis(imido)uranium(VI) complexes over ten years ago, we have been interested in developing the chemistry of these compounds in comparison to their uranyl analogues. This talk will focus on chemistry that occurs during the conversion of lower valent U starting materials such as UCl4 to the higher valent bis(imido) complexes, (RN=)2U(V)X(L)n and (RN=)2U(VI)X2(L)n. Addition of 4 eq of an amide reagent, eg. RN(H)-, to UX4 results in a complex equilibrium mixture of U(IV)-imido/amido/amine-ligand complexes from which a variety of different U(IV) imido compounds can be isolated depending upon conditions. Addition of oxidants to these mixtures results in the clean formation of U(V) or U(VI) bis(imido) complexes. This talk will focus on the nature of the U(IV) imido species that are in these mixtures and how they are formed and transformed into the higher valent products.

Uranium imido complexes: A window into uranium bonding and reactivity

251st National Meeting (2016)

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