Two-electron three-centered bond in side-on (eta(2)) uranyl(V) superoxo complexes

Abstract

Theoretical calculations suggest a novel two-electron three-atom bonding scheme for complexation of O-2 with U(V) compounds, leading to the stabilization of superoxo complexes in the side-on (eta(2)) configuration. This binding motif is likely to play an important role in the oxidative processes involving trans-uranium compounds having valence 5f(phi) electrons.