Synthesis and properties of uranium (4) and thorium methyl acetates

Uranium (4) and thorium di- and trimethyl acetates (isobutyrate and pivalate):U(CH3)2CHCOO)4, U(CH3)3CCOO)4, Th(CH3)3CCOO)4 are synthesized. The substances are characterized by the element, X-ray phase analyses, IR spectroscopy data. Solubility of synthesized compounds in organic solvents increased in comparison with uranium acetate is marked. On the basis of spectroscopy data the conclusion concerning the absence of bridge carboxylate groups in the structure of metal methyl acetates is made. Thermal behaviour of substances in air, in nitrogen flow and in vacuum (10-2 torr) is investigated. Capability of uranium (4) and thorium carboxylates for sublimation in vacuum and at atmospheric pressure is shown. Specific features of the synthesized compound structure are discussed using the data obtained