Low-valent uranium iodides:: Straightforward solution syntheses of Ul3 and Ul4 etherates

Uranium turnings react with elemental iodine in diethyl ether at room temperature, with sonication and/or stirring, over a period of days to afford Ul(3), Ul(4)(OEt2)(2), or Ul(4)(OBu2n) depending on the stoichiometry or ether solvent. This is the first room temperature, and thus safe and convenient, synthesis of Ul(3).