An open-framework thorium sulfate hydrate with 11.5 A voids.
We report the synthesis of a thorium sulfate hydrate with 11.5 A open channels that propagate through the structure. The compound crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4(2)/nmc, a = b = 25.890(4) A, c = 9.080(2) A, Z = 8, V = 6086.3(2) A(3). The thermal stability of the compound was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and high-energy X-ray scattering (HEXS) revealing that the compound begins to undergo decomposition near 200 degrees C with an accompanied loss in crystallinity. The immediate coordination environment about the thorium atoms remains intact through heating to 500 degrees C as demonstrated by HEXS. Further heating reveals the formation of at least two crystalline phases, Th(SO4)2 and ThO2, which ultimately decompose to ThO2.
Wilson
Richard E
RE
Heavy Elements and Separations Sciences Group, Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60439, USA. rewilson@anl.gov
Skanthakumar
S
S
Knope
Karah E
KE
Cahill
Christopher L
CL
Soderholm
L
L