Seven-coordinated chiral uranyl(VI) salen complex as effective catalyst for C–H bond activation of dialkylanilines under visible light

Abstract

A new chiral uranyl(VI) complex incorporating a tetradentate salen ligand is reported. The synthesized uranyl complex is studied by microanalyses, spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction studies. The structural studies reveal a slightly distorted pentagonal bipyramid coordination environment around uranyl ion. Interestingly, the uranyl complex was found to be potential visible light active catalyst for C–H bond functionalization of dialkylanilines, and afforded moderate to excellent yield of corresponding α-aminonitriles when exposed to visible light for 8 h in the presence of NaCN and acetic acid as cyanide source, and H2O2as oxidant.