Bonding analysis of tetravalent actinide complexes with salen

The bonding situation of tetravalent actinide-complexes with salen is investigated by using tools of real-space bonding-analysis. These tools, involving plots of density-differences and non-covalent interactions (NCI), reveal covalent interactions of Th(IV) with the O-donor of salen. The contribution of the two f-electrons of U(IV) even enhance this interaction.