Pentavalent uranyl stabilized by a dianionic bulky tetradentate ligand

A pentavalent uranyl complex supported by a bulky dianionic tetradentate (ONNO)-type salan ligand has been prepared by direct synthesis from the iodide precursor {[UO2Py5][ KI2Py2]}(n), and displays high stability towards disproportionation and ligand dissociation but reactivity towards oxidizing substrates.