Complexes Featuring a cis-[M →→ $\rm{ \mathbin{{\stackrel{\textstyle\rightarrow} { {\smash{\rightarrow}\vphantom{_{\vbox to.5ex{\vss } }} }}}$ U ←← $\rm{ \mathbin{{\stackrel{\textstyle\leftarrow} { {\smash{\leftarrow}\vphantom{_{\vbox to.5ex{\vss } }} }}}$ M] Core (M=Rh, Ir): A New Route to Uranium-Metal Multiple Bonds

Although examples of multiple bonds between actinide elements and main-group elements are quite common, studies of the multiple bonds between actinide elements and transition metals are extremely rare owing to difficulties associated with their synthesis. Here we report the first example of molecular uranium complexes featuring a cis-[M ->-> ${{\rm{ \mathbin{{\stackrel{\textstyle\rightarrow} { {\smash{\rightarrow}\vphantom{_{\vbox to.5ex{\vss}}}} } }} }}}$ U <-<- ${{\rm{ \mathbin{{\stackrel{\textstyle\leftarrow} { {\smash{\leftarrow}\vphantom{_{\vbox to.5ex{\vss}}}} } }} }}}$ M] core (M=Rh, Ir), which exhibits an unprecedented arrangement of two M ->-> ${{\rm{ \mathbin{{\stackrel{\textstyle\rightarrow} { {\smash{\rightarrow}\vphantom{_{\vbox to.5ex{\vss}}}} } }} }}}$ U double dative bond linkages to a single U center. These complexes were prepared by the reactions of chlorine-bridged heterometallic complexes [{U{N(CH3)((CH2CH2NPPr2)-Pr-i)(2)}(Cl)(2)[(mu-Cl)M(COD)](2)}] (M=Rh, Ir) with MeMgBr or MeLi, a new method for the construction of species with U-M multiple bonds. Theoretical calculations including dispersion confirmed the presence of two U <-<- ${{\rm{ \mathbin{{\stackrel{\textstyle\leftarrow} { {\smash{\leftarrow}\vphantom{_{\vbox to.5ex{\vss}}}} } }} }}}$ M double dative bonds in these complexes. This study not only enriches the U <-<- ${{\rm{ \mathbin{{\stackrel{\textstyle\leftarrow} { {\smash{\leftarrow}\vphantom{_{\vbox to.5ex{\vss}}}} } }} }}}$ M multiple bond chemistry, but also provides a new opportunity to explore the bonding of actinide elements.

Automated summary

We report a new method for the synthesis of molecular uranium complexes featuring a cis-[M ->-> U <-<- M] core. The complexes were prepared by reacting [{U{N(CH3)((CH2CH2NPPr2)-Pr-i)(2)}(Cl)(2)[(mu-Cl)M(COD)](2)}] (M=Rh, Ir) with MeMgBr or MeLi. Theoretical calculations confirmed the presence of two U <-<- M double dative bonds in these complexes. This study enriches the chemistry of U <-<- M multiple bonds and provides an opportunity to explore the bonding of actinide elements.