Synthesis, structural and emission studies of a bis (carbamoyl methyl) sulfone complex of uranyl nitrate

A new tri-functional ligand iBu2NCOCH2SO2CH2CONiBu2 (L) was prepared and characterized. The coordination chemistry of this ligand with uranyl nitrate was studied with IR, 1HNMR, ES-MS, TG and elemental analysis methods. The structure of the compound [UO2(NO3)2L] was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. In the structure the uranium(VI) ion is surrounded by eight oxygen atoms in a hexagonal bi-pyramidal geometry. Four oxygen atoms from two nitrate groups and two oxygen atoms from the ligand form a planar hexagon. The ligand acts as a bidentate chelate and bonds through both the carbamoyl groups to the uranyl nitrate. An ES-MS spectrum shows that the complex retains the bonding in solution. The compound displayed vibronically coupled fluorescence emission.