Formation and characterization of the uranium methylidene complexes CH2 = UHX (X = F, Cl, and Br).
The reactions between uranium atoms and CH3X (X = F, Cl, and Br) molecules are investigated in a solid argon matrix. The major products formed on ultraviolet irradiation are the CH2=UHX methylidene complexes. DFT calculations predict these triplet ground-state structures to be stable and to have significant agostic interactions. Parallels between the uranium and analogous thorium methylidene complexes are discussed.
Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 22904-4319, USA.
Jonathan T
JT
Lyon
Lester
L
Andrews