Uranyl oxo activation and functionalization by metal cation coordination.
The oxo groups in the uranyl ion [UO(2)](2+)-one of many oxo cations formed by metals from across the periodic table-are particularly inert, which explains the dominance of this ion in the laboratory and its persistence as an environmental contaminant. In contrast, transition metal oxo (M=O) compounds can be highly reactive and carry out difficult reactions such as the oxygenation of hydrocarbons. Here we show how the sequential addition of a lithium metal base to the uranyl ion constrained in a 'Pacman' environment results in lithium coordination to the U=O bonds and single-electron reduction. This reaction depends on the nature and stoichiometry of the lithium reagent and suggests that competing reduction and C-H bond activation reactions are occurring.
EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, UK. Polly.Arnold@ed.ac.uk
Polly L
PL
Arnold
Anne-Frédérique
AF
Pécharman
Emmalina
E
Hollis
Ahmed
A
Yahia
Laurent
L
Maron
Simon
S
Parsons
Jason B
JB
Love
D056831:Coordination Complexes / Q000737:chemistry*; D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray; D004579:Electron Transport; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000737:chemistry; D008094:Lithium / Q000737:chemistry; D008280:Magnetics; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D013816:Thermodynamics; D028561:Transition Elements / Q000737:chemistry; D014501:Uranium / Q000737:chemistry*
D056831:Coordination Complexes; D006838:Hydrocarbons; D028561:Transition Elements; D014501:Uranium; D008094:Lithium