Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and X-ray structure analyses of two uranyl complexes

The synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and crystal structures of two uranyl complexes, [UO2(SALEN)(DMF)] (1) and [UO2(BPHA)2(DMF)] (2) {SALEN = N,N'-ethylenebis(salicylimine), DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide, BPHA = N-phenyl benzohydroxamate} are described. The coordination geometry around the metal center in the mononuclear complexes can be best described as distorted pentagonal bipyramidal with an almost linear uranyl moiety. In addition to the van der Waal's interactions, the crystal packing in the complexes is stabilized by weak intermolecular C-H..O hydrogen bonds involving the uranyl oxygen atoms, so generating two-dimensional arrays in both crystal structures. (orig.)