9 research outputs found
Uranyl oxo activation and functionalization by metal cation coordination
International audienceThe oxo groups in the uranyl ion [UO] , one of many oxo cations formed by metals from across the periodic tableâare 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 âPacmanâ 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 CâH bond activation reactions are occurring