NpSe2 : a Binary Chalcogenide Containing Modulated Selenide Chains and Ambiguous-Valent Metal.

A new binary compound, NpSe2, possesses metal-chalcogen and chalcogen-chalcogen interactions different from those reported for other metal dichalcogenides. Its structure is incommensurately modulated and features linear Se chains and valence-ambiguous Np cations.

Influence of Countercation Hydration Enthalpies on the Formation of Molecular Complexes: A Thorium-Nitrate Example.

The influence of countercations (An+) in directing the composition of monomeric metal-ligand (ML) complexes that precipitate from solution are often overlooked despite the wide usage of An+ in materials synthesis. Herein, we describe a correlation between the composition of ML complexes and A+ hydration enthalpies found for two related series of thorium (Th)-nitrate molecular compounds obtained by evaporating acidic aqueous Th-nitrate solutions in the presence of A+ counterions. Analyses of their chemical composition and solid-state structures demonstrate that A+ not only affects the overall solid-state packing of the Th-nitrato complexes but also influences the composition of the Th-nitrato monomeric anions themselves. Trends in composition and structure are found to correlate with A+ hydration enthalpies, such that the A+ with smaller hydration enthalpies associate with less hydrated and more anionic Th-nitrato complexes. This perspective, broader than the general assumption of size and charge as the dominant influence of An+, opens a new avenue for the design and synthesis of targeted metal-ligand complexes.

Three-Dimensional Network of Cation-Cation-Bound Neptunyl(V) Squares: Synthesis and in Situ Raman Spectroscopy Studies.

Cation-cation interactions (CCIs) are an essential feature of actinyl chemistry, particularly neptunyl(V). To better understand the formation mechanisms of CCIs, the crystallization process of Np(V) CCI compounds has been explored during the evaporation of acidic Np(V) stock solutions using X-ray diffraction and both ex situ and in situ Raman spectroscopy. At least four Np solid products have been isolated from evaporation of the same Np(V) acidic solution. In situ evaporation using a continuous wave laser (532 nm) as a local heat source produced similar solid products to ex situ experiments with matching Raman signatures. The formation of these products is highly dependent on the evaporation conditions. Slower evaporation appears to favor the formation of a new neptunyl(V) compound, (NpO2)Cl(H2O)2 (1), over other solid products. The structure of 1 features a three-dimensional network of NpO2(+) cations, where neighboring Np(V) ions are only connected to each other through CCIs in a square arrangement. The O═Np═O stretching region shows similar Raman bands in both the solids and solution suggesting that CCIs between Np(V) cations exist prior to crystallization. These results provide new insight into the formation mechanism of Np(V) CCI compounds from solutions.

Th3[Th6(OH)4O4(H2O)6](SO4)12(H2O)13: A Self-Assembled Microporous Open-Framework Thorium Sulfate.

A neutral-framework thorium oxohydroxosulfate hydrate has been isolated from aqueous solution. This microporous structure, which self-assembles without a templating agent, is built from [Th6(OH)4O4(H2O)6]12+ hexamers and thorium(IV) monomers linked through bridging sulfates. Solution conditions were chosen to enable an active competition between sulfate and hydroxide for thorium coordination. Synthetic requirements are discussed for this rare example of a thorium(IV) polynuclear complex containing mixed oxo-, hydroxo-, and sulfato-bridging moieties.

Mixed-valent neptunium(IV/V) compound with cation-cation-bound six-membered neptunyl rings.

A new mixed-valent neptunium(IV/V) compound has been synthesized by evaporation of a neptunium(V) acidic solution. The structure of the compound features cation-cation-bound six-membered neptunyl(V) rings. These rings are further connected by Np(IV) ions through cation-cation interactions (CCIs) into a three-dimensional neptunium cationic open framework. This example illustrates the possibility of isolating neptunyl(V) CCI oligomers in inorganic systems using other cations to compete with Np(V) in bonding with the neptunyl oxygen.

Reinvestigation of Np2Se5: a clear divergence from Th2S5 and Th2Se5 in chalcogen-chalcogen and metal-chalcogen interactions.

Single crystals of Np2Se5 have been prepared through the reactions of Np and Se at 1223 K in an Sb2Se3 flux. The structure of Np2Se5, which has been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods, crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P42/nmc. The crystallographic unit cell includes one unique Np and two Se positions. Se(1) atoms form one-dimensional infinite chains along the a and b axes with alternating intermediate Se-Se distances of 2.6489 (8) and 2.7999 (8) Å, whereas Se(2) is a discrete Se(2-) anion. Each Np is coordinated to 10 Se atoms and every NpSe10 polyhedron shares faces, edges, or vertices with 14 other identical metal polyhedra to form a complex three-dimensional structure. Np LIII-edge X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) measurements show a clear shift in edge position to higher energies for Np2Se5 compared to Np3Se5 (Np(3+)2Np(4+)Se(2-)5). Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that Np2Se5 undergoes a ferromagnetic-type ordering below 18(1) K. Above the transition temperature, Np2Se5 behaves as a paramagnet with an effective moment of 1.98(5) µB/Np, given by a best fit of susceptibilities to a modified Curie-Weiss law over the temperature range 50-320 K.

Three new sodium neptunyl(V) selenate hydrates: structures, Raman spectroscopy, and magnetism.

Green crystals of Na(NpO(2))(SeO(4))(H(2)O) (1), Na(3)(NpO(2))(SeO(4))(2)(H(2)O) (2), and Na(3)(NpO(2))(SeO(4))(2)(H(2)O)(2) (3) have been prepared by a hydrothermal method for 1 or evaporation from aqueous solutions for 2 and 3. The structures of these compounds have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 is isostructural with Na(NpO(2))(SO(4))(H(2)O) (4). The structure of 1 consists of ribbons of neptunyl(V) pentagonal bipyramids, which are decorated and further connected by selenate tetrahedra to form a three-dimensional framework. The resulting open channels are filled by Na(+) cations and H(2)O molecules. Within the ribbon, each neptunyl polyhedron shares corners with each other solely through cation-cation interactions (CCIs). The structure of 2 adopts one-dimensional [(NpO(2))(SeO(4))(2)(H(2)O)](3-) chains connected by Na(+) cations. Each NpO(2)(+) cation is coordinated by four monodentate SeO(4)(2-) anions and one H(2)O molecule to form a pentagonal bipyramid. The structure of 3 is constructed by one-dimensional [(NpO(2))(SeO(4))(2)](3-) chains separated by Na(+) cations and H(2)O molecules. These chains have two configurations resulting in two disordered orientations of the Se(2)O(4)(2-) tetrahedra. Each NpO(2)(+) cation is coordinated by one bidentate Se(1)O(4)(2-) and three monodentate Se(2)O(4)(2-) anions to form a pentagonal bipyramid. Raman spectra of 1, 2, and 4 were collected on powder samples. For 1 and 4, the neptunyl symmetric stretch modes (670, 676, 730, and 739 cm(-1)) shift significantly toward lower frequencies compared to that in 2 (773 cm(-1)), and there are several asymmetric neptunyl stretch bands in the region of 760-820 cm(-1). Magnetic measurements obtained from crushed crystals of 1 are consistent with a ferromagnetic ordering of the neptunyl(V) spins at 6.5(2) K, with an average low temperature saturation moment of 2.2(1) µ(B) per Np. Well above the ordering temperature, the susceptibility follows Curie-Weiss behavior, with an average effective moment of 3.65(10) µ(B) per Np and a Weiss constant of 14(1) K. Correlations between lattice dimensionality and magnetic behavior are discussed.

Oxidation state of uranium in A6Cu12U2S15 (A = K, Rb, Cs) compounds.

Black single crystals of A(6)Cu(12)U(2)S(15) (A = K, Rb, Cs) have been synthesized by the reactive flux method. These isostructural compounds crystallize in the cubic space group Ia ̅3d at room temperature. The structure comprises a three-dimensional framework built from US(6) octahedra and CuS(3) trigonal planar units with A cations residing in the cavities. There are no S-S bonds in the structure. To elucidate the oxidation state of U in these compounds, various physical property measurements and characterization methods were carried out. Temperature-dependent electrical resistivity measurement on a single crystal of K(6)Cu(12)U(2)S(15) showed it to be a semiconductor. These three A(6)Cu(12)U(2)S(15) (A = K, Rb, Cs) compounds all exhibit small effective magnetic moments, < 0.58 µ(B)/U and band gaps of about 0.55(2) eV in their optical absorption spectra. From X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES), the absorption edge of A(6)Cu(12)U(2)S(15) is very close to that of UO(3). Electronic band structure calculations at the density functional theory (DFT) level indicate a strong degree of covalency between U and S atoms, but theory was not conclusive about the formal oxidation state of U. All experimental data suggest that the A(6)Cu(12)U(2)S(15) family is best described as an intermediate U(5+)/U(6+) sulfide system of (A(+))(6)(Cu(+))(12)(U(5+))(2)(S(2-))(13)(S(-))(2) and (A(+))(6)(Cu(+))(12)(U(6+))(2)(S(2-))(15).

Two new neptunyl(V) selenites: a novel cation-cation interaction framework in (NpO2)3(OH)(SeO3)(H2O)2 3H2O and a uranophane-type sheet in Na(NpO2)(SeO3)(H2O).

Dark green crystals of (NpO(2))(3)(OH)(SeO(3))(H(2)O)(2)·H(2)O (1) have been prepared by a hydrothermal reaction of neptunyl(V) and Na(2)SeO(4) in an aqueous solution at 150 °C, while green plates of Na(NpO(2))(SeO(3))(H(2)O) (2) have been synthesized by evaporation of a solution of neptunyl(V), H(2)SeO(4), and NaOH at room temperature. Both compounds have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of compound contains three crystallographically unique Np atoms that are bonded to two O atoms to form a nearly linear O═Np═O NpO(2)(+) cation. Neighboring Np(5+) ions connect to each other through a bridging oxo ion from the neptunyl unit, a configuration known as cation-cation interactions (CCIs), to build a complex three-dimensional network. More specifically, each Np(1)O(2)(+), Np(2)O(2)(+), and Np(3)O(2)(+) cation is involved in three, five, and four CCIs with other units, respectively. The framework of neptunyl(V) pentagonal bipyramids is decorated by selenite trigonal pyramids with one-dimensional open channels where uncoordinated waters are trapped via hydrogen bonding interactions. Compound adopts uranophane-type [(NpO(2))(SeO(3))](-) layers, which are separated by Na(+) cations and water molecules. Within each layer, neptunyl(V) pentagonal bipyramids share equatorial edges with each other to form a single chain that is further connected by both monodentate and bidentate selenite trigonal pyramids. Crystallographic data: compound, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, Z = 4, a = 6.6363(8) Å, b = 15.440(2) Å, c = 11.583(1) Å, ß = 103.549(1)°, V = 1153.8(2) Å(3), R(F) = 0.0387 for I > 2σ(I); compound (2), monoclinic, C2/m, Z = 4, a = 14.874(4) Å, b = 7.271(2) Å, c = 6.758(2) Å, ß = 112.005(4)°, V = 677.7(3) Å(3), R(F) = 0.0477 for I > 2σ(I).

Cation-cation interactions: crystal structures of neptunyl(V) selenate hydrates, (NpO2)2(SeO4)(H2O)n (n=1, 2, and 4).

Green crystals of (NpO(2))(2)(SeO(4))(H(2)O)(4), (NpO(2))(2)(SeO(4))(H(2)O)(2), and (NpO(2))(2)(SeO(4))(H(2)O) have been prepared by hydrothermal methods. The structures of these compounds have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. (NpO(2))(2)(SeO(4))(H(2)O)(4), isostructural with (NpO(2))(2)(SO(4))(H(2)O)(4), is constructed from layers comprised of corner-sharing neptunyl(V) pentagonal bipyramids and selenate tetrahedra that are further linked by hydrogen bonding with water molecules. Each NpO(2)(+) cation binds to four other NpO(2)(+) units through cation-cation interactions (CCIs) to form a distorted "cationic square net" decorated by SeO(4)(2-) tetrahedra above and below the layer. Each selenate anion is bound to two neptunyl(V) cations through monodentate linkages. (NpO(2))(2)(SeO(4))(H(2)O)(2) is isostructural with the corresponding sulfate analogue as well. It consists of puckered layers of neptunyl(V) pentagonal bipyramids that are further connected by selenate tetrahedra to form a three-dimensional framework. The CCI pattern in the neptunyl layers of dihydrate is very similar to that of tetrahydrate; however, each SeO(4)(2-) tetrahedron is bound to four NpO(2)(+) cations in a mondentate manner. (NpO(2))(2)(SeO(4))(H(2)O) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, which differs from the (NpO(2))(2)(SO(4))(H(2)O) orthorhombic structure due to the slightly different connectivities between NpO(2)(+) cations and anionic ligands. The structure of (NpO(2))(2)(SeO(4))(H(2)O) adopts a three-dimensional network of distort neptunyl(V) pentagonal bipyramids decorated by selenate tetrahedra. Each NpO(2)(+) cation connects to four other NpO(2)(+) units through CCIs and also shares an equatorial coordinating oxygen atom with one of the other units in addition to the CC bond to form a dimer. Each SeO(4)(2-) tetrahedron is bound to five NpO(2)(+) cations in a monodentate manner. Magnetic measurements obtained from the powdered tetrahydrate are consistent with a ferromagnetic ordering of the neptunyl(V) spins at 8(1) K, with an average low temperature saturation moment of 1.98(8) µ(B) per Np. Well above the ordering temperature, the susceptibility follows Curie-Weiss behavior, with an average effective moment of 3.4(2) µ(B) per Np and a Weiss constant of 14(4) K. Correlations between lattice dimensionality and magnetic behavior are discussed.

Neptunium thiophosphate chemistry: intermediate behavior between uranium and plutonium.

Black crystals of Np(PS(4)), Np(P(2)S(6))(2), K(11)Np(7)(PS(4))(13), and Rb(11)Np(7)(PS(4))(13) have been synthesized by the reactions of Np, P(2)S(5), and S at 1173 and 973 K; Np, K(2)S, P, and S at 773 K; and Np, Rb(2)S(3), P, and S at 823 K, respectively. The structures of these compounds have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Np(PS(4)) adopts a three-dimensional structure with Np atoms coordinated to eight S atoms from four bidentate PS(4)(3-) ligands in a distorted square antiprismatic arrangement. Np(PS(4)) is isostructural to Ln(PS(4)) (Ln = La-Nd, Sm, Gd-Er). The structure of Np(P(2)S(6))(2) is constructed from three interpenetrating diamond-type frameworks with Np atoms coordinated to eight S atoms from four bidentate P(2)S(6)(2-) ligands in a distorted square antiprismatic geometry. The centrosymmetric P(2)S(6)(2-) anion comprises two PS(2) groups connected by two bridging S centers. Np(P(2)S(6))(2) is isostructural to U(P(2)S(6))(2). A(11)Np(7)(PS(4))(13) (A = K, Rb) adopts a three-dimensional channel structure built from interlocking [Np(7)(PS(4))(13)](11-)-screw helices with A cations residing in the channels. The structure of A(11)Np(7)(PS(4))(13) includes four crystallographically independent Np atoms. Three are connected to eight S atoms in bicapped trigonal prisms. The other Np atom is connected to nine S atoms in a tricapped trigonal prism. A(11)Np(7)(PS(4))(13) is isostructural to A(11)U(7)(PS(4))(13). From Np-S bond distances and charge-balance, we infer that Np is trivalent in Np(PS(4)) and tetravalent in Np(P(2)S(6))(2) and A(11)Np(7)(PS(4))(13). Np exhibits a behavior intermediate between U and Pu in its thiophosphate chemistry.

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of Np3S5 and Np3Se5.

Black prisms of Np(3)Q(5) (Q = S, Se) have been synthesized by the stoichiometric reactions between Np and Q at 1173 K in a CsCl flux. The structures of these compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The Np(3)Q(5) compounds are isostructural with U(3)Q(5). The structure of Np(3)Q(5) is constructed from layers of Np(1)Q(8) distorted bicapped trigonal prisms that share faces with each other on bc planes. Each Np(1)Q(8) layer further shares Q(2) edges with two adjacent identical neighbors to form a three-dimensional framework. The space inside each channel within this framework is filled by one single edge-sharing Np(2)Q(7) distorted 7-octahedron chain running along the b axis. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that Np(3)S(5) and Np(3)Se(5) have antiferromagnetic orderings at 35(1) and 36(1) K, respectively. Above the magnetic ordering temperatures, both Np(3)S(5) and Np(3)Se(5) behave as typical Curie-Weiss paramagnets. The effective moments obtained from the fit of the magnetic data to a modified Curie-Weiss law over the temperature range 70 to 300 K are 2.7(2) µ(B) (Np(3)S(5)) and 2.9(2) µ(B) (Np(3)Se(5)).

Structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of UFeS3 and UFeSe3.

Black prisms of UFeS(3) and UFeSe(3) have been synthesized by solid-state reactions of U, Fe, and S or Se with CsCl as a flux at 1173 K. The structure of these isostructural compounds consists of layers of edge- and corner-sharing FeS(6) or FeSe(6) octahedra that are separated by layers of face- and edge-sharing US(8) or USe(8) bicapped trigonal prisms. The isomer shifts in the iron-57 Mössbauer spectra of both UFeS(3) and UFeSe(3) are consistent with the presence of high-spin iron(II) ions octahedrally coordinated to S or Se. The XANES spectra of UFeS(3) and UFeSe(3) are consistent with uranium(IV). Single-crystal magnetic susceptibility measurements along the three crystallographic axes of UFeSe(3) reveal a substantial magnetic anisotropy with a change of easy axis from the a-axis above 40 K to the b-axis below 40 K, a change that results from competition between the iron(II) and uranium(IV) anisotropies. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility along the three axes is characteristic of two-dimensional magnetism. A small shoulder-like anomaly is observed in the magnetic susceptibilities along the a- and b-axes at 96 and 107 K, respectively. Below 107 K, the iron-57 Mössbauer spectra of UFeS(3) and UFeSe(3) show that the iron nuclei experience a magnetic hyperfine field that results from long-range magnetic ordering of at least the iron(II) magnetic moments because the field exhibits Brillouin-like behavior. Below 40 K there is no significant change in the Mössbauer spectra as a result of change in magnetic anisotropy. The complexity of the iron-57 Mössbauer spectra and the temperature and field dependencies of the magnetic properties point toward a complex long-range magnetic structure of two independent iron(II) and uranium(IV) two-dimensional sublattices. The temperature dependence of the single-crystal resistivity of UFeSe(3) measured along the a-axis reveals semiconducting behavior between 30 and 300 K with an energy gap of about 0.03 eV below the 53 K maximum in susceptibility, of about 0.05 eV between 50 and 107 K, and of 0.03 eV above 107 K; a negative magnetoresistance was observed below 60 K.

Reinvestigation of the uranium(3.5+) rare-earth oxysulfides "(UO)2LnS3" (Ln = Yb, Y).

Dark-red square plates of the previously reported compounds "(UO)(2)LnS(3)" (Ln = Yb, Y) have been synthesized by solid-state reactions of UOS and YbS or Y(2)S(3) with Sb(2)S(3) as a flux at 1273 K. The structure of these isotypic compounds was reinvestigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods and an inductively coupled plasma experiment. The actual formula of "(UO)(2)LnS(3)" (Ln = Yb, Y) is (U(0.5)Ln(0.5)O)(2)LnS(3), that is, ULn(2)O(2)S(3), which can be charge-balanced with U(4+) and Ln(3+). The layered structure comprises (U/Ln)O(4)S(4) square antiprisms alternating with LnS(6) octahedra. U and Ln1 atoms disorder on the eight-coordinate metal position, but Ln2 atoms occupy the six-coordinate metal position exclusively. UYb(2)O(2)S(3) is a modified Curie-Weiss paramagnet between 293 and 32 K, below which part of the paramagnetic moments go through a possible ferromagnetic transition. The band gaps of ULn(2)O(2)S(3) (Ln = Yb, Y) are around 2 eV.

Quaternary neptunium compounds: syntheses and characterization of KCuNpS(3), RbCuNpS(3), CsCuNpS(3), KAgNpS(3), and CsAgNpS(3).

The five quaternary neptunium compounds KCuNpS3, RbCuNpS3, CsCuNpS3, KAgNpS3, and CsAgNpS3 (AMNpS3) have been synthesized by the reaction of Np, Cu or Ag, S, and K2S or Rb2S3 or Cs2S3 at 793 K (Rb) or 873 K. These isostructural compounds crystallize as black rectangular plates in the KCuZrS3 structure type in space group Cmcm of the orthorhombic system. The structure comprises MS4 (M = Cu or Ag) tetrahedra and NpS6 octahedra that edge share to form infinity 2[MNpS3-] layers. These layers are separated by the alkali-metal cations. The Np-S bond lengths vary from 2.681(2) to 2.754(1) A. When compared to the corresponding isostructural Th and U compounds these bond distances obey the expected actinide contraction. As the structure contains no S-S bonds, formal oxidation states of +1/+1/+4/-2 may be assigned to A/M/Np/S, respectively. From these results a value of 2.57 for the bond-valence parameter r0 for Np(4+)-S(2-) has been derived and applied to the estimation of the formal oxidation states of Np in the binary NpxSy compounds whose structures are known.

Ion association with tetra-n-alkylammonium cations stabilizes higher-oxidation-state neptunium dioxocations.

Extended-coordination sphere interactions between dissolved metals and other ions, including electrolyte cations, are not known to perturb the electrochemical behavior of metal cations in water. Herein, we report the stabilization of higher-oxidation-state Np dioxocations in aqueous chloride solutions by hydrophobic tetra-n-alkylammonium (TAA+) cations-an effect not exerted by fully hydrated Li+ cations under similar conditions. Experimental and molecular dynamics simulation results indicate that TAA+ cations not only drive enhanced coordination of anionic Cl- ligands to NpV/VI but also associate with the resulting Np complexes via non-covalent interactions, which together decrease the electrode potential of the NpVI/NpV couple by up to 220 mV (ΔΔG = -22.2 kJ mol-1). Understanding the solvation-dependent interplay between electrolyte cations and metal-oxo species opens an avenue for controlling the formation and redox properties of metal complexes in solution. It also provides valuable mechanistic insights into actinide separation processes that widely use quaternary ammonium cations as extractants or in room temperature ionic liquids.

Thorium copper phosphides: more diverse metal-phosphorus and phosphorus-phosphorus interactions than U analogues.

To explore the chemical analogy between thorium and heavier actinides in soft anionic environments, three new thorium phosphides (ThCuP2, ß-ThCu2P2, and ThCu5P3) have been prepared through solid-state reactions using CuI as a reaction promoter. The structure of ThCuP2 can be described as a filled UTe2-type with both dimeric P24- and monomeric P3- anions, in which Th is coordinated by eight P atoms in a bicapped trigonal prismatic arrangement and Cu is tetrahedrally coordinated by four P atoms. ß-ThCu2P2 contains only P3- anions and is isostructural with BaCu2S2. In this structure, Th is coordinated by seven P atoms in monocapped trigonal prismatic geometry and Cu is tetrahedrally coordinated by four P atoms. ThCu5P3 adopts the YCo5P3-type structure consisting of P3- anions. This structure contains Th atoms coordinated by six P atoms in a trigonal prismatic arrangement and Cu atoms that are either tetrahedrally coordinated by four P atoms or square pyramidally coordinated by five P atoms. Electric resistivity measurements and electronic structure calculations on ß-ThCu2P2 indicate a metal. These new compounds may be charge-balanced and formulated as Th4+Cu+(P24-)1/2P3-, Th4+(Cu+)2(P3-)2, and Th4+(Cu+)5(P3-)3, respectively. The structural, bonding, and property relationships between these Th compounds and related actinide and rare-earth phases are discussed. Titled compounds display more diverse ion-ion interactions and different electronic structures from those in UCuP2 and UCu2P2 that were synthesized under similar experimental conditions, suggesting divergence of thorium-phosphide chemistry from uranium-phosphide chemistry.

Linking Solution Structures and Energetics: Thorium Nitrate Complexes.

Seeking predictive insights into how metal-ion speciation impacts solution chemistry as well as the composition and structure of solid-precipitates, thorium correlations, with both solvent and other solute ions, were quantitatively probed in a series of acidic, nitrate/perchlorate solutions held at constant ionic strength. Difference pair-distribution functions (dPDF), obtained from high-energy X-ray scattering (HEXS) data, provide unprecedented structural information on the number of Th ligating ions in solution and how they change with increasing nitrate concentration. A fit of the end member solution, Th (4 m perchloric acid and no nitrate), reveals a homoleptic Th aqua ion with 10 waters in its first coordination shell. Analyses of the acidic solutions containing nitrate reveal exclusively bidentate NO3- complexation with Th, consistent with published solid-state MIV nitrate structures, where MIV = Ce, Th, U, Np, Pu. Metrical fits of Th coordination as a function of nitrate concentration are used to calculate Th-NO3 stability constants, information important to a molecular-scale description of reaction energetics. The coordination environments of Th in solution were compared with single-crystal structures obtained from their precipitates, Th(NO3)4(H2O)4 and Th(NO3)4(H2O)3·(H2O)2. Relative stabilities of the solid-state compounds, assessed based on the results of molecular quantum chemical calculations, reveal the importance of including an accurate description of complexed waters when predicting relative energetics of dissolved ions in aqueous solution.

In situ hydrothermal reduction of neptunium(VI) as a route to neptunium(IV) phosphonates.

A lamellar neptunium(IV) methylphosphonate, Np(CH3PO3)(CH3PO3H)(NO3)(H2O).H2O, has been prepared under hydrothermal conditions via the in situ reduction of NpVI to NpIV. The single crystal structure of this compound shows polar layers that are joined to one another via a hydrogen-bonding network involving interlayer water molecules. Magnetic susceptibility measurements demonstrate that the NpIV ions are magnetically isolated from one another.