PNNL

Abstract

A new uranyl tetrachloride salt with chemical formula, (NH4)2(UO2Cl4)·2H2O, 1, was prepared and crystallized via slow evaporation from a solution of 2 M hydrochloric acid. As confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction, the title compound crystallizes with an ammonium chloride impurity that formed due to breakdown of a triazine precursor. The (UO2Cl4)2- dianion is charge balanced by ammonium cations, while an extensive hydrogen bonding network donated from lattice solvent water molecules stabilize the overall assembly. Compound 1 adds to the extensive collection of actinyl tetrachloride salts, but it represents the first without an alkali cation for purely inorganic compounds. Diffuse reflectance and luminescence spectra show typical absorption and emission behavior of uranyl materials, respectively.