A Weak Interaction between Iron and Uranium in Uranium Alkyl Complexes Supported by Ferrocene Diamide Ligands

Alkyl complexes of uranium supported by ferrocene diamide ligands are described along with the corresponding cationic species. Synthesis of uranium dialkyl compounds fc(NSitBuMe2)2UR2 [R = Np (neo-pentyl), Bz (benzyl)] was accomplished by salt metathesis between fc(NSitBuMe2)2UI2(THF) and neo-pentyl lithium or benzyl potassium. Protonation of one alkyl ligand led to the isolation of a cationic uranium alkyl complex. DFT calculations and X-ray crystallography data support the existence of a donor–acceptor, weak interaction between iron and uranium.