Discussion on the complexing ability of the uranyl ion with several crown ethers and cryptands in water and in propylene carbonate

Abstract

Interactions of the uranyl ion (UO/sub 2//sup 2 +/) with some common crown ethers (12C4, 15C5, 18C6, DB-18C6) and cryptands (22,222) are investigated in aqueous and propylene carbonate (PC) solutions, I = 0.1 M ((TEA)ClO/sub 4/). Stability constants of the complexes formed are determined by potentiometric and spectrophotometric measurements. Discussions on the stability constants of the complexes allow us to postulate whether or not direct uranyl-macrocycle bonds are obtained. In PC solution, uranyl inner-sphere complexes with 18C6, DB-18C6, 22, and 222 are formed with the uranyl ion probably inside or partially enclosed in the ligand cavity. In aqueous media, complexation occurs only with crown ethers by formation of hydrogen bonds between hydrogen of water molecules of the hydrate shell of the uranyl ion and oxygen atoms of the crown ether (UO/sub 2//sup 2 +/ outer-sphere complexes). 31 references, 5 figures, 3 tables.