Structure and properties of [(4,6-tBu2C6H2O)2Se]2An(THF)2, An = U, Np, and their reaction with p-benzoquinone

Abstract

The synthesis and characterization of U(IV) and Np(IV) selenium bis(phenolate) complexes are reported. The reaction of two equivalents of the U(IV) complex with p-benzoquinone results in the formation of a U(V)–U(V) species with a bridging reduced quinone. This represents a rare example of high-valent uranium chemistry as well as a rare example of a neptunium aryloxide complex.