Structurally characterized ternary U-O-N compound, UN4O12: UO2(NO3)2.N2O4 or NO(+)UO2(NO3)3-?
Margaret-Jane Crawford1, Peter Mayer
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilian University (LMU), Butenandtstrasse 5-13 (Haus D), D-81377 Munich, Germany. mjc@cup.uni-muenchen.de
Abstract:
The synthesis and characterization of the ternary U-O-N compound NO(+)UO2(NO3)3- (1) using IR and low-temperature and room-temperature Raman spectroscopy as well as 14N and 15N NMR spectroscopy are reported. In addition, solution Raman spectra of compound 1 recorded in various solvents are reported. The structure of compound 1 was determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques: monoclinic, C2/c, a = 13.3992(4) angstroms, b = 9.9781(4) angstroms, c = 7.6455(2) angstroms, beta = 115.452(2) degrees, V = 922.98(5) angstroms3, Z = 4. Compound 1 is highly moisture-sensitive and must be handled under an inert atmosphere. It reacts with water with the liberation of NO2. For the first time, this important precursor for the synthesis of anhydrous uranyl nitrate could be unambiguously identified and has been shown to be an ionic nitrosonium salt and not an adduct between uranyl nitrate and dinitrogen tetroxide, UO2(NO3)2.N2O4, as is incorrectly and predominantly cited in the literature.
Related Concept Videos
Structural Isomerism
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can be...
Lewis Structures of Molecular Compounds and Polyatomic Ions
Coordination Compounds and Nomenclature
Ionic Crystal Structures
Most monatomic ions behave as charged spheres, and their attraction for ions of opposite charge is the same in every direction. Consequently, stable structures for ionic compounds result (1) when ions of one charge are surrounded by as many ions as possible of the opposite...
Valence Bond Theory
Resonance and Hybrid Structures
Resonance Structures and Resonance Hybrids
The Lewis structure of a nitrite anion (NO2−) may actually be drawn in two different ways, distinguished by the locations of the N–O and N=O bonds.

