Infrared spectrum and structure of CH2=ThH2

The actinide methylidene CH2=ThH2 molecule is formed in the reaction of laser-ablated thorium atoms with CH4 and trapped in a solid argon matrix. The five strongest infrared absorptions computed by density functional theory (two ThH2 stretches, C=Th stretch, CH2 wag, and ThH2 bend) are observed in the infrared spectrum. The computed structure shows considerable agostic bonding distortion of the CH2 and ThH2 subunits in the simple actinide methylidene dihydride CH2=ThH2 molecule, which is similar to the transition metal analogue, CH2=HfH2.