Preparation and crystal structure of a nickel (II)-Uranyl(VI) binuclear chelate

Summary

The structure of the heterobinuclear complex of Ni²⁺ and [U02₂]²⁺ with the tetraanionic ligand derived from the condensation of 1,2-diaminoethane with o-acetoacetylphenol has been determined from diffractometer data and refined to R = 7.2%. The crystals are monoclinic, P21 /a, with α = 20.65(2), b = 8.58(1), c = 14.68(2) Å and β = 97.78(5); Z = 4. The ligand employed has two different coordination sets of atoms, N₂O₂ and O₂O₂, two oxygen atoms being common to both donor sets. In the complex the nickel ion, which is four coordinate but not square planar, is retained in the inner N₂O₂ chamber, whilst the uranyl ion is incorporated in the outer O₂O₂ chamber. A molecule of solvent is retained to preserve the preferred seven coordination of uranium.