Potassium bis(cylooctatetraenyl)americium(III)

Potassium bis(cyclooctatetraenyl)americium(III) was prepared by the reaction of potassium cyclooctatetraene (K2C8H8) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution with 243AmI3. Metal analysis agrees with the composition KAm(COT)2.2THF, X-ray powder diffraction patterns show it to be isostructural with the analogous Np3+ and Pu3+ compounds, and its absorption spectra has maxima characteristic of the Am3+ ion. KAm(COT)2.2THF flames when exposed to air and is decomposed instantly by water. Attempts to reduce the compound produced an unstable species, possibly a compound of Am2+. (Auth.)