Synthesis, characterization, and high-pressure studies of a 3D berkelium(iii) carboxylate framework material

A berkelium(iii) mellitate, Bk-2[C-6(CO2)(6)](H2O)(8)center dot 2H(2)O, was synthesized and rapidly crystallized by reacting mellitic acid, C-6(CO2H)(6), and BkBr3 center dot nH(2)O in an aqueous medium. Single crystal X-ray diffraction shows that the compound crystallizes as a three-dimensional framework isostructural with Pu(iii), Am(iii), and Cm(iii) mellitates. UV-vis-NIR spectroscopic studies as a function of pressure were performed using a diamond anvil cell and show that the 5f -> 5f transitions of Bk3+ display enhanced hypsochromic shifting when compared to other An(iii) mellitates.

Automated summary

A new berkelium(iii) mellitate compound was synthesized and characterized. The compound crystallizes with a similar structure to other actinide mellitates, but exhibits enhanced hypsochromic shifting in the electronic transitions of Bk3+.