Structural Characterization of the First Hydroxo-Bridged Plutonium Compound, (PuO2)2(IO3) ((mu)2-OH)3

The hydrothermal reaction of a 239Pu(IV) stock solution in the presence of iodic acid and 1 M KOH produces reddish-brown single crystals of (PuO2)2(IO3)(OH)3. The structure consists of two-dimensional layers forming in the ac plane and is the first single-crystal structure of plutonium(VI) connected through hydroxide anions. The additional linkage of plutonium centers is completed through iodate ligands.