The coordination and organometallic chemistry of UI3 and U{N(SiMe3)2}3: Synthetic reagents par excellence

The coordination and organometallic chemistry of U(III) has been revolutionised by the preparation of the key starting materials [UI3(solv)(4)] (solv = THF, py, 1/2DME), [U{N(SiMe3)(2)}(3)] and [U(OTf)(3)] and fascinating transformations have resulted. Herein the chemistry of these compounds is reviewed focussing on the initial reactivity of these species; further conversions are not discussed. Salt elimination and 1,2 or 3 electron oxidation of the uranium centre based upon the ligands is described. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.