Convenient synthesis, structure, and reactivity of (C5Me5)U(CH2C6H5)3:: a simple strategy for the preparation of monopentamethylcyclopentadienyl uranium(IV) complexes

A high-yield one-pot synthesis of (C5Me5)U(CH2C6H5)(3) has been developed and applied to the synthesis of a new organouranium complex possessing a (pentamethyleyelopentadienyl)bis(cyclopentadienyl) ligand framework, (C5Me5)(C5H5)(2)U(CH2C6H5). Both complexes have been structurally characterized. We also report herein an improved and safer synthesis for the popular uranium starting material UCl4.