Synthesis of the stable UO2I2, the last of the uranyl dihalides. X-Ray crystal structure of [UO2I2(py)3]

Abstract

Treatment of UO2(OTf)2 with pure Me3SiI led to the quantitative formation of UO2I2 (1). This compound dissolved in pyridine and thf to give the red adducts [UO2I2L3]> (L = py (2) or thf (3)), which were also obtained from the metathetical reaction of UO2(OTf)2 and KI. The crystal structure of 2 has been determined. The uranyl diiodide complexes 13 are thermally quite stable, providing that strictly anhydrous conditions are employed. © 2004 The Royal Society of Chemistry.