title: Structurally characterized ternary U-O-N compound, UN4O12: UO2(NO3)2.N2O4 or NO(+)UO2(NO3)3-?
abstract: The synthesis and characterization of the ternary U-O-N compound NO(+)UO2(NO3)3- (1) using IR and low-temperature and room-temperature Raman spectroscopy as well as 14N and 15N NMR spectroscopy are reported. In addition, solution Raman spectra of compound 1 recorded in various solvents are reported. The structure of compound 1 was determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques: monoclinic, C2/c, a = 13.3992(4) angstroms, b = 9.9781(4) angstroms, c = 7.6455(2) angstroms, beta = 115.452(2) degrees, V = 922.98(5) angstroms3, Z = 4. Compound 1 is highly moisture-sensitive and must be handled under an inert atmosphere. It reacts with water with the liberation of NO2. For the first time, this important precursor for the synthesis of anhydrous uranyl nitrate could be unambiguously identified and has been shown to be an ionic nitrosonium salt and not an adduct between uranyl nitrate and dinitrogen tetroxide, UO2(NO3)2.N2O4, as is incorrectly and predominantly cited in the literature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilian University (LMU), Butenandtstrasse 5-13 (Haus D), D-81377 Munich, Germany. mjc@cup.uni-muenchen.de
authors.forename: Margaret-Jane
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Crawford
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mayer