Synthesis, structure and vibrational spectra of a new uranium(IV) complex: UCl(H 2PO 2) 3·2H 2O

Abstract

The preparation, crystal structure and vibrational spectra of the new uranium (IV) compound UCl(H 2PO 2) 3·2H 2O are reported. The uranium atom is surrounded by six hypophosphito and two aqua oxygen atoms at the corners of a square antiprism. Hypophosphite groups serve as bridges between uranium atoms in the polymeric structure. The bands in the IR spectrum which correspond to hypophosphite modes of vibration are very similar to those of the isostructural bromo analogue UBr(H 2PO 2) 3·2H 2O, whereas features involving aqua ligand modes show stronger halide—water hydrogen bonding for the chloro compound.