Reactivity of UH(3) with mild oxidants

Addition of 2 equiv of I(2) to a stirring suspension of UH(3) in Et(2)O results in vigorous gas evolution and the formation of UI(4)(OEt(2))(2) (1), which can be isolated in good yields as an air- and moisture-sensitive brick-red powder. Addition of 3 equiv of AgBr to UH3 in DME produces UBr(3)(DME)(2) (2), while addition of 4 equiv of AgX to UH(3) in DME-CH(2)Cl(2) provides UX(4)(DME)(2) (X = Br, 3; Cl, 4). Similarly, the reaction of 4 equiv of AgOTf with UH(3) in neat DME generates U(OTf)(4)(DME)(2) (5). Each of these reactions proceeds with the evolution of hydrogen. Complex 1 can also be generated by reaction of 4 equiv of Me(3)SiI with UCl(4) in Et(2)O. All complexes were fully characterized, including analysis by X-ray crystallography.