Synthesis, characterization, and high-pressure studies of a 3D berkelium(III) carboxylate framework material.

Abstract

A berkelium(III) mellitate, Bk2[C6(CO2)6](H2O)8·2H2O, was synthesized and rapidly crystallized by reacting mellitic acid, C6(CO2H)6, and BkBr3·nH2O in an aqueous medium. Single crystal X-ray diffraction shows that the compound crystallizes as a three-dimensional framework isostructural with Pu(III), Am(III), and Cm(III) mellitates. UV-vis-NIR spectroscopic studies as a function of pressure were performed using a diamond anvil cell and show that the 5f → 5f transitions of Bk3+ display enhanced hypsochromic shifting when compared to other An(III) mellitates.