The wide range of accessible oxidation states, from II to VII, is a distinguishing feature of actinide chemistry. The objective of evaluating intrinsic stabilities of actinide oxidation states, particularly extreme oxidation states, is pursued in the gas phase absent stabilizing effects imparted by complex interactions in liquids or solids. The extreme high oxidation states, Np(VII) and Pu(VII), have been assessed in elementary gas-phase complexes and molecules by reactivity, and complementary computations. Other unusual oxidation states of interest include Bk(IV) and Cf(II), and that in “protactinyl”, PaO<sub>2</sub><sup>2+</sup>. The results provide insights into fundamental actinide chemistry, including the role of 5f electrons in bonding and redox behavior.

Stabilities of actinide oxidation states in gas-phase complexes

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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