Using redox-active ligands to support transition metals generally results in covalent coordination complexes, where electrons are delocalized over both the metal and ligand framework. Covalent bonding for the metals in the actinide series, however, is not typically observed. Our group has been exploring these redox-active ligand frameworks as supports for the elements of the actinide series, in an attempt to demonstrate that some degree of covalent bonding can occur for these elements in the appropriate environments. Herein, we present our latest findings on the unique electronic structures of these complexes, many of which have interesting chemical properties and serve as molecular models for key intermediates identified in the nuclear fuel cycle.  Our complete study combining synthesis and characterization by spectroscopic, structural, and computational methods will be presented, as well as a discussion of the role of the redox-active ligands in the observed chemistry. <br/>

Establishing trends in actinide bonding using redox-active ligands

254th National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.