Publications Repository - Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf

The synthesis of a tetravalent neptunium amidinate [NpCl((S)-PEBA)₃] (1) ((S)-PEBA = (S,S)-N,N’-bis-(1-phenylethyl)-benzamidinate) is reported. This complex represents the first structurally characterized enantiopure transuranic compound. Reactivity studies with halide/pseudohalides yielding [NpX((S)-PEBA)₃] (X = F (2), Br (3), N3 (4)) have shown that the chirality-atmetal is preserved for all compounds in the solid state. Furthermore, they represent an unprecedented example of a structurally characterized metal-organic Np complex featuring a Np–Br (3) bond. In addition, 4 is the only reported tetravalent transuranic azide. All compounds were additionally characterized in solution using paramagnetic NMR spectroscopy showing an expected C₃ symmetry at low temperatures.