diuranyl double HAA

Here we reported a new molecular di-uranyl complex, (UO2)2LM.
It was synthesized from a tetraphenol ligand previously reported by
our group. The complex can perform HAA under 427 nm light. The
HAA reaction converts cyclooctane into cyclooctene even with the
presence of a fluorinating agent NFSI, and dihydroanthracene into
anthracene. The low photoreaction rate possibly due to
nonproductive LMCT from phenol groups guides future ligand
design. However, the alkene formed is a useful product. Further
work will seek to develop a catalytic cycle for alkene formation. The
cluster formed by spiking (UO2)2LM solution with H2O is another
candidate for photoreactive HAA reaction.