Matthew Gregson

The inverse-trans-influence in tetravalent lanthanide and actinide bis(carbene) complexes

Across the periodic table the trans-influence operates, whereby tightly bonded ligands selectively lengthen mutually trans metal–ligand bonds. Conversely, in high oxidation state actinide complexes the inverse-trans-influence operates, where normally cis strongly donating ligands instead reside trans and actually reinforce each other. However, because the inverse-trans-influence is restricted to high-valent actinyls and a few uranium(V/VI) complexes, it has had limited scope in an area with few unifying rules. Here we report tetravalent cerium, uranium and thorium bis(carbene) complexes with trans C=M=C cores where experimental and theoretical data suggest the presence of an inverse-trans-influence. Studies of hypothetical praseodymium(IV) and terbium(IV) analogues suggest the inverse-trans-influence may extend to these ions but it also diminishes significantly as the 4f orbitals are populated. This work suggests that the inverse-trans-influence may occur beyond high oxidation state 5f metals and hence could encompass mid-range oxidation state actinides and lanthanides. Thus, the inverse-trans-influence might be a more general f-block principle.

Covalent Uranium Carbene Chemistry

After seminal reports of covalent uranium carbene U˭C complexes in the 1980s by Gilje, the area fell dormant for around 30 years. However, in the past five years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the area. Despite recent advances, the classification of these U˭C complexes as either methanediides, carbenes, or alkylidenes has remained a contentious issue. Herein, we review U˭C complexes reported to date, along with reactivity and computational studies, and conclude that although U˭C complexes sit midway on the continuum between rare-earth methanediides and Schrock-type alkylidenes, they can be justifiably described as carbenes. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Crystalline Diuranium-Phosphinidiide and -μ-Phosphido Complexes with Symmetric and Asymmetric UPU Cores

Abstract Reaction of [U(TrenTIPS)(PH2)] (1, TrenTIPS=N(CH2CH2NSiPri 3)3) with C6H5CH2K and [U(TrenTIPS)(THF)][BPh4] (2) afforded a rare diuranium parent phosphinidiide complex [{U(TrenTIPS)}2(μ‐PH)] (3). Treatment of 3 with C6H5CH2K and two equivalents of benzo‐15‐crown‐5 ether (B15C5) gave the diuranium μ‐phosphido complex [{U(TrenTIPS)}2(μ‐P)][K(B15C5)2] (4). Alternatively, reaction of [U(TrenTIPS)(PH)][Na(12C4)2] (5, 12C4=12‐crown‐4 ether) with [U{N(CH2CH2NSiMe2But)2CH2CH2NSi(Me)(CH2)(But)}] (6) produced the diuranium μ‐phosphido complex [{U(TrenTIPS)}(μ‐P){U(TrenDMBS)}][Na(12C4)2] [7, TrenDMBS=N(CH2CH2NSiMe2But)3]. Compounds 4 and 7 are unprecedented examples of uranium phosphido complexes outside of matrix isolation studies, and they rapidly decompose in solution underscoring the paucity of uranium phosphido complexes. Interestingly, 4 and 7 feature symmetric and asymmetric UPU cores, respectively, reflecting their differing steric profiles.

Actinide-Pnictide (An-Pn) Bonds Spanning -Non-Metal, -Metalloid, and - Metal Combinations (An = U, Th; Pn = P, As, Sb, Bi)

Abstract The synthesis and characterisation is presented of the compounds [An(TrenDMBS){Pn(SiMe3)2}] and [An(TrenTIPS){Pn(SiMe3)2}] [TrenDMBS=N(CH2CH2NSiMe2But)3, An=U, Pn=P, As, Sb, Bi; An=Th, Pn=P, As; TrenTIPS=N(CH2CH2NSiPri 3)3, An=U, Pn=P, As, Sb; An=Th, Pn=P, As, Sb]. The U−Sb and Th−Sb moieties are unprecedented examples of any kind of An−Sb molecular bond, and the U−Bi bond is the first two‐centre‐two‐electron (2c–2e) one. The Th−Bi combination was too unstable to isolate, underscoring the fragility of these linkages. However, the U−Bi complex is the heaviest 2c–2e pairing of two elements involving an actinide on a macroscopic scale under ambient conditions, and this is exceeded only by An−An pairings prepared under cryogenic matrix isolation conditions. Thermolysis and photolysis experiments suggest that the U−Pn bonds degrade by homolytic bond cleavage, whereas the more redox‐robust thorium compounds engage in an acid–base/dehydrocoupling route.

A Very Short Uranium(IV)-Rhodium(I) Bond with Net Double- Dative Bonding Character

Abstract Reaction of [U{C(SiMe3)(PPh2)}(BIPM)(μ‐Cl)Li(TMEDA)(μ‐TMEDA)0.5]2 (BIPM=C(PPh2NSiMe3)2; TMEDA=Me2NCH2CH2NMe2) with [Rh(μ‐Cl)(COD)]2 (COD=cyclooctadiene) affords the heterotrimetallic UIV−RhI 2 complex [U(Cl)2{C(PPh2NSiMe3)(PPh[C6H4]NSiMe3)}{Rh(COD)}{Rh(CH(SiMe3)(PPh2)}]. This complex has a very short uranium–rhodium distance, the shortest uranium–rhodium bond on record and the shortest actinide–transition metal bond in terms of formal shortness ratio. Quantum‐chemical calculations reveal a remarkable RhI→→ UIV net double dative bond interaction, involving RhI 4dz2 ‐ and 4dxy/xz‐type donation into vacant UIV 5f orbitals, resulting in a Wiberg/Nalewajski–Mrozek U−Rh bond order of 1.30/1.44, respectively. Despite being, formally, purely dative, the uranium–rhodium bonding interaction is the most substantial actinide–metal multiple bond yet prepared under conventional experimental conditions, as confirmed by structural, magnetic, and computational analyses.

Author Correction: The inverse- trans -influence in tetravalent lanthanide and actinide bis (carbene) complexes

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14137.