Actinide tris(hydrocarbyls). Synthesis, properties, structure, and molecular dynamics of thorium and uranium pentamethylcyclopentadienyl tris(eta/sup n/-benzyls)

This report focuses on the synthesis, unusual molecular structure(s), and other interesting properties of ligands within a metal coordination sphere (cf. M(eta5-C5H5)3R vs. M[eta5-(CH3)5]2R2 chemistry, where M=Th or U). This report represents a continuing effort to ''tune'' the actinide ligation environment with respect to such factors as the chemical characteristics of actinide-to-carbon sigma bonds. These bonds are a sensitive function of the number and nature of the other ligands within the metal coordination sphere. Structural analysis is reported that examines the nature and arrangement of the bonds in Th[eta5-(CH3)5C5](CH2C6H5)3 and U[eta5-(CH3)5C5](CH2C6H5)3 complexes