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Article

The Role of Acidity in the Synthesis of Novel Uranyl Selenate and Selenite Compounds and Their Structures

by
Gabriel L. Murphy
*,
Philip Kegler
,
Eike M. Langer
and
Evgeny V. Alekseev
*
Institute of Energy and Climate Research, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428 Jülich, Germany
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Crystals 2021, 11(8), 965; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst11080965
Submission received: 13 July 2021 / Revised: 13 August 2021 / Accepted: 13 August 2021 / Published: 16 August 2021
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crystal Chemistry of Uranyl Compounds)
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Abstract

:
Herein, the novel uranyl selenate and selenite compounds Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3], Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2], Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O, and (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5 have been synthesized using either slow evaporation or hydrothermal methods under acidic conditions and their structures were refined using single crystal X-ray diffraction. Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3] synthesized hydrothermally adopts a layered 2D tetragonal structure in space group P42/ncm with a = 9.8312(4) Å, c = 15.4924(9) Å, and V = 1497.38(15) Å, where it consists of UO7 polyhedra coordinated via SeO4 units to create units UO2(SeO4)58− moieties which interlink to create layers in which Rb+ cations reside in the interspace. Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2] synthesized hydrothermally adopts a layered 2D triclinic structure in space group P 1 ¯ with a = 7.0116(6) Å, b = 7.0646(6) Å, c = 8.1793(7) Å, α = 103.318(7)°, β = 105.968(7)°, γ = 100.642(7)° and V = 365.48(6) Å3, where it consists of edge sharing UO7, UO8 and SeO3 polyhedra that form [(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2] layers in which Rb+ cations are found in the interlayer space. Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O synthesized hydrothermally adopts a chain 1D orthorhombic structure in space group Pmn21 with a = 13.041(3) Å, b = 8.579(2) Å, c = 11.583(2) Å, and V = 1295.9(5) Å3, consisting of UO7 polyhedra that corner share with one H2O and four SeO42− ligands, creating infinite chains. (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5 synthesized under slow evaporation conditions adopts a 0D orthorhombic structure in space group Cmc21 with a = 28.4752(12) Å, b = 6.3410(3) Å, c = 10.8575(6) Å, and V = 1960.45(16) Å3, consisting of discrete rings of [(UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5]2. (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5 is apparently only the second example of a uranyl diselenite compound to be reported. A combination of single crystal X-ray diffraction and bond valance sums calculations are used to characterise all samples obtained in this investigation. The structures uncovered in this investigation are discussed together with the broader family of uranyl selenates and selenites, particularly in the context of the role acidity plays during synthesis in coercing specific structure, functional group, and topology formations.
Keywords:
uranium; selenate; selenite

1. Introduction

The acquisition of novel non-centrosymmetric (NCS) structural phases has formed a topical focus of inorganic chemical synthesis development due to their prominent application in a variety of non-linear optic (NLO) [1,2], piezoelectric [3], and ferroelectric [4] based materials. In the case of NLO materials, stereo active lone pair possessing cations Se4+ and I5+ are commonly utilized as their possession of periodic polarizable free lone pair electrons within NSC lattices allow materials with superior second harmonic generation (SHG) properties to be obtained. A growing theme among recent NLO and SHG Se and I related material development studies has been the extension of these to uranium and actinide compounds, as it has been shown that their related properties can often exceed those of non-actinide variants [5,6,7,8]. The properties of these materials can be further improved through the increased polymerization of IO3− and SeO32− units into polyiodate and polyselenite units [9,10]. However, although often similarly chemically regarded due to their comparable ionic radii as oxoanions (IO3− and SeO32−), the dissimilar chemistry of the chalcogen group belonging Se cation to that of the Halogen I cation results in somewhat of a disparity in chemical insight, particularly regarding polymerisation of groups as oxoanions. For instance, at present a larger proportion of polyiodate units have been observed in the case of I2O5, I3O8−, I4O112−, and I5O143− whereas only Se2O52− is reported for polyselenites [11,12,13]. Accordingly, understanding the synthesis conditions and design which pertain to the polymerization of SeO32− units is a pertinent pursuit in the context of next generation NLO and SHG material generation in addition to fundamental inorganic synthesis development.
It was recently shown that the first uranium and actinide polyiodate, UPI-1 [14], with the polyiodate unit I4O112− could be obtained under conditions of extreme acid addition where it was noted similar synthesis experiments with more moderate acid addition failed. It was highlighted in that investigation that, in many related studies [11,15,16], heightened acid addition often results in iodate products consisting of polymerized units and this could be used as a potential means of synthesis control [14]. This theme of utilizing acidic media in synthesis control, although a relatively recent innovation, has seen further promising applications in a variety of other uranyl/actinyl structural chemical investigations. Examples can be seen in uranium and neptunium nitrate studies, including the identification acid controlled geometric isomerism in neptunium and uranium nitrates [17], and also uncovering the crystallization of uranium nitrates as an indicator of reaction competition [18]. The salient effect solution acidity has upon controlling structure formation in uranyl systems has also been recently observed in uranyl chromates and chromate-nitrates [19,20,21]. A further pertinent study by Nazarchuk et al. [22] demonstrated that, under decreasing pH conditions (2.5 → 1.5), successive organically templated uranyl sulfates would form where their structural chemistry was dependent and proportional to the specific pH at crystallisation. The effect of acidic conditions on redox processes was also highlighted by Langer et al. [23], in examining neptunium selenates and selenites, where acid driven disproportion was found to play a key role in determining the final Np and Se redox states in crystallized products. Consequently, the utilisation of acidic conditions and pH control, although a sensitive component, can be viewed as a route to novel and/or difficult to obtain structure formation.
Traditional interest in uranium and actinide iodate and selenite/selenate compound synthesis stems from understanding potential alteration phases that may occur in spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and in repository environments due to the prominent occurrence of I-129 and Se-79 as fission daughters [24,25]. Many of these studies were performed on what can be described as an explorative basis which left little understanding regarding chemical conditions which dictate synthesis control and outcome. However, more contemporary investigations have utilized systematic approaches, which better enable improved synthesis control and increased understanding and prediction of potential reaction outcomes [17,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33]. Saliently, many of these more recent studies have highlighted the unique ability and promising application of uranium derived compounds in societally important materials such as radiation detectors, scintillators to proton conductors [34,35,36]. A key component driving these promising applications is the combination of traditional functional chemical components such as stereo-active lone pair possessing IO3− and SeO32− units with that of the uranium’s unique chemical character as a 5f element which, together, drives the properties of obtained structures to often rival or excede those of non-uranium/actinide analogues [14,36]. This has been exemplified by UPI-1 and other monoiodate and monoselenite/monoselenate possessing uranyl compounds [5,6,14]. Compared to uranyl iodates, there is relatively less known about selenites and selenates in respect of synthesis conditions and control, despite the interest these receive in context of NLO and SHG materials development. Indeed, it has been more than 30 years since the first and only uranyl polyselenite was reported, UO2Se2O5, possessing the Se2O52− moiety [12]. Consequently, there is precedence to further understand the synthesis conditions of uranyl selenites and selenates both in the context of potential SNF alteration phase and for advanced functional material development.
We have recently embarked on a systematic investigation into the structure-property relations and effect of synthesis on novel SNF related actinide phase formation under variable conditions [14,17,29,30,31,37,38]. In light of the identification of the effect of acid on controlling the polymerization of iodate units in uranyl iodates [14], we have applied similar methods in the following work to investigate the effect acid has on polymerizing selenite and selenate units. In the course of our investigation we have uncovered four novel uranyl selenites/selenates including Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3], Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2], Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O and pertinently (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5, only the 2nd reported uranyl selenite possessing a diselenite unit. The results of this investigation are discussed with respect to the broader family of uranyl selenites/selenates regarding the ability for acid to drive novel structure and topology formation.

2. Experimental

2.1. Synthesis

(a) Hydrothermal; Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3], Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2], and Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O
Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3], Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2], and Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O were synthesized using a similar hydrothermal method involving alike and similar reagents at different molar rations. For Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3] and Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O, RbNO3 (0.03 g, 0.20 mmol, Alfa-Aesar 99.0% min), K2SeO4 (0.03 g, 0.15 mmol/0.014 g, 0.066 mmol, Alfa-Aesar 99.0% min) and UO2(NO3)2·6H2O (0.05 g, 0.10 mmol/0.05 g, 0.10 mmol. International Bioanalytical Industries Inc.) were used respectively. For Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2] RbNO3 (0.03 g, 0.20 mmol, Alfa-Aesar 99.0% min), K2SeO3 (0.014 g, 0.066 mmol, Alfa-Aesar 99.0% min) and UO2(NO3)2·6H2O (0.05 g, 0.10 mmol International Bioanalytical Industries Inc.) were used. In each case, the reagents were mixed and dissolved in deionised water, 5 mL for Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3] and 10 mL for Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O, and placed in Teflon lined stainless steel autoclaves. Concentrated selenic acid (60 wt.%) was added to the reaction mixtures to reduce the pH to below 1 confirmed using pH paper. The Teflon lined stainless steel autoclaves were then secured and transferred into a box furnace. The furnace was heated to 220 °C, held there for 36 h, and then cooled to room temperature at a rate of 3 °C/h. Fine greenish single crystals of the three described compounds were recovered from their respective reaction vessels and used for single crystal X-ray diffraction measurements. The crystal size was found to be approximately 30–40 µm in length.
(b) Slow evaporation; (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5
UO2(NO3)2·6H2O (0.02 g, 0.04 mmol International Bioanalytical Industries Inc.) and H2SeO3 (0.01 g, 0.08 mmol, Alfa-Aesar 99.0% min) were dissolved in 10 mL of deionised water and placed in a 20 mL jar. Concentrated selenic acid (60 wt.%) was added to the jar to reduce the pH to below 1 confirmed using pH paper. The jar containing the solution was placed in a fume cupboard and the solution was left to evaporate to dryness, where the formation of green fine crystals approximately 30 µm in length was observed. Subsequently, they were separated for single crystal X-ray diffraction.

2.2. Single Crystal X-Ray Diffraction

Suitable quality crystals were selected for analysis and structural refinement using single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD). For all title compounds data were recorded with CrysAlisPro software (v.1.171.38.43) on an Agilent Oxford Diffraction Super Nova diffractometer with a Mo Kα tube at 296 K. Absorption corrections for the raw data were performed using the multiscan method. The unit cell was determined, and background effects were processed by the CrysAlisPro software. The initial structures of the title compounds were refined through using SHELXL-2018 within the WinGX (v1.80.05) software [39], and the ADDSYM algorithm of the PLATON program [40] was used for checking possible higher symmetries. Localisation of H atoms positions was not attempted due to unreliability as only RT data was collected. Data and crystallographic information for all compounds investigated are presented in Table 1. These data were obtained from the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) under the numbers 2101372, 2094250, 2094251, and 2094249 for Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3], Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O, Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2], and (UO2)2(HSeO3)(H2SeO3)2Se2O5, respectively.

2.3. Bond Valence Sums

Bond valence sums (BVS) calculations were undertaken for the cations in Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3], Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2], Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O, and (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5 using the parameters reported by Burns and co-workers [41] for seven-coordinate U. The parameters provided by Brese and O’Keeffe [42] were used for Se and O.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Structural Studies (a) Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3]

Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3] synthesized using a hydrothermal method was found to adopt a tetragonal structure in space group P42/ncm with a = 9.8312(4) Å, c = 15.4924(9) Å and V = 1497.38(15) Å3 using SC-XRD measurements. The structure consists of seven coordinate U atoms which form UO7 pentagonal bipyramid polyhedra with two short axial and collinear oxo U=O bonds of 1.741(11) Å, consistent with the uranyl bond in the hexavalent state. Surrounding the uranyl groups equatorially in the UO7 polyhedra are five U-O bonds ranging in length from 2.372(11) to 2.400(10) Å which are provided by coordinating SeO42− ligands fivefold (Figure 1). The Se-O bond lengths were found to range from 1.59(5) to 1.656(11) Å. The UO2(SeO4)58− units link with others in a corner sharing motif to form [(UO2)4(SeO4)6]4− sheets in the [110] plane (Figure 1). The sheets are observed to adopt a corrugated motif viewing from the [100] direction (Figure 1a) in which Rb+ cations are located in the interlayer space. The SC-XRD structural solution indicated that the O(6) was positionally disordered and this is illustrated in Figure 1b where the disordering occurs parallel to the a–b plane. BVS values of 6.11, 6.16, and 6.09 were determined for the U(1), Se(1), and Se(2) positions, supporting the occurrence of hexavalent states for U and Se in the structure of Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3]. Full BVS values are given in Table 2.
A notable observation of Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3] is the corrugation of the [(UO2)4(SeO4)6]4− sheets. It is typical of uranyl bearing compounds to form 2D layered or 1D chain structures due to the oxo-bond nature of the uranyl group [43]. Deformation of the structure or occurrence of corrugation in layers often occurs through factors, such as the application of pressure during synthesis [30,37,44], non-spherical interlayer ions [45], or the unideal coordination of layer ions [30,46], where the structures or layers deform accordingly to accommodate these. In the case of Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3], the relatively simplistic formula would suggest a less distorted structure, however the occurrence of UO7 and SeO4 polyhedra results in the latter of the described examples. The Se(1)O4 polyhedra is able to satisfactorily fourfold coordinate to uranyl centres, whereas the Se(2)O4 polyhedra can only threefold coordinate, which leaves a vacant Se-O ligand that is positionally disordered. Accordingly, it is suspected that this unideal coordination of SeO4 polyhedra due to the occurrence UO7 will lead to corrugation of the layers and the occurrence of disorder. Indeed, the same sheet corrugation is observed in Cs2[(UO2)2(CrO4)3] [19] and [pyH]2[(UO2)2(SO4)3] [22] which respectively form tetragonal (SG P 4 ¯ 21m) and orthorhombic (SG C2221) structures. Very similar to Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3], the two Cr positions in Cs2[(UO2)2(CrO4)3], Cr(1)O4 and Cr(2)O4, threefold and fourfold coordinate to the UO7 polyhedra. This is also observed in [pyH]2[(UO2)2(SO4)3] for the two Se positions, Se(1)O4 and Se(2)O4, four and three fold coordinating the UO7 polyhedra however the structure is further directed by hydrogen bonding from the pyH+ groups to the Se(2)O4 polyhedra. Similarly, topological arrangements can be found in Cs2[(UO2)2(SO4)3] [47] and β-Cs2[(UO2)2(MoO4)3] [48].

3.2. Structural Studies (b) Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2]

Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2] synthesized using a hydrothermal method was found to adopt a triclinic structure in space group P 1 ¯ with a = 7.0116(6) Å, b = 7.0646(6) Å, c = 8.1793(7) Å, α = 103.318(7)°, β = 105.968(7)°, γ = 100.642(7)° and V = 365.48(6) Å3 using SC-XRD measurements. The structure consists of seven and eight coordinate U atoms which form respectively UO7 pentagonal and UO8 hexagonal bipyramid polyhedra. Both the UO7 and UO8 polyhedra possess two short axial and collinear oxo U=O bonds of 1.775(16)/1.809(17) and 1.815(16) Å, respectively, consistent with the uranyl group with hexavalent U in the respective coordination geometry. Surrounding the uranyl groups equatorially in the UO7 polyhedra are five U-O bonds ranging in length from 2.245(13) to 2.426(12) Å, which are provided by two SeO32− ligands, one corner sharing and the other edge sharing, and two oxygen atoms from neighboring UO8 polyhedra. Surrounding the uranyl groups equatorially in the UO8 polyhedra are six oxygen atoms, where four of them are provided by two SeO32− ligands in an edge sharing motif and the other two from oxygen atoms via corner sharing (Figure 2). The SeO32− ligands have Se-O bonds lengths ranging from 1.681(16) to 1.682(12) Å. The UO7 and UO8 are observed to link together parallel to the [010] direction, forming discrete chains which are linked together by SeO32− that create infinite layers normal to the [101] plane (Figure 2). Between the layers Rb+ cations are observed where the structural model indicates they are partially disordered. BVS values of 5.74, 6.12, and 4.26 were determined for the U(1), U(2), and Se(1) positions, supporting the respective occurrence of hexavalent and tetravalent U and Se in the structure of Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2]. Full BVS values are given in Table 3.
Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2], although possessing a different structure, can be topologically related through its sheet motif to that of Sr[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2]·H2O (SG C2/m) [49], Li2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2]·H2O (SG P21/c) [50], as well as the minerals guilleminite, Ba[(UO2)3SeO3)2O2]·4H2O (SG P21nm) [51,52], and marthozite, Cu[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2]·8H2O (SG Pbn21) [53]. In all these, chains are constructed through edge-sharing UO6 and UO7 polyhedra that link to form sheets via SeO3 units through a phosphuranylite anion topology [52]. It was noted by Gurzhiy et al. [52], when comparing these natural and synthetic selenites, that they are contrastingly described by different orientation matrices, in that the latter example possess layers which are described by the c2/m space group, whereas for the former structures, layers demonstrate higher symmetry with a pmmn description. Furthermore, when observing Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2], this follows where its layer topology is better described in the lower symmetry subset.

3.3. Structural Studies (c) Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O

Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O synthesized using a hydrothermal method was found to adopt an orthorhombic structure in space group Pmn21 where with a = 13.041(3) Å, b = 8.579(2) Å, c = 11.583(2) Å and V = 1295.9(5) Å3 using SC-XRD measurements. The structure consists of seven coordinate U atoms which form UO7 pentagonal bipyramid polyhedra that contain two short axial and collinear oxo U=O bonds of 1.765(10) Å consistent with the uranyl group for hexavalent U in this coordination geometry. Surrounding the uranyl group equatorially in the UO7 polyhedra are five oxygen atoms corner-sharing provided by four SeO42− ligands and one oxygen atom. BVS calculation of the lone oxygen ligand donor (O(2)) produces a low value of 0.60 consistent with an aqua H2O coordinating ligand (Figure 3c). The SeO42− ligands act to link UO7 polyhedra in the [001] direction forming infinite chains (Figure 3). Between the chains parallel to the [010] direction, Rb cations are observed with H2O molecules where, between the chains parallel to the [001] direction, the inter-space is free (Figure 3). BVS values of 6.19, 6.17, and 6.09 were determined for the U(1), Se(1), and Se(2) positions, supporting the occurrence of hexavalent states for U and Se in the structure of Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O. Full BVS values are given in Table 4.
The structure of Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O bares strong similarity to that of previously reported Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·H2O also orthorhombic but in space group Pna21 [54,55]. Both structures contain the same layer-chain configuration with aqua ligands extending off uranyl centres alternatively along the layer direction (Figure 3b). However the increase in the degree of hydration of Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O compared to Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·H2O results in a change of symmetry as well as an increase in unit cell volume (1295.9(5) vs. 1240.4(3) Å3 respectively [54]). The influence of the degree of hydration has been demonstrated to play a subtle but significant role in the formation of thorium nitrates [56] as well as uranium and neptunium nitrates [17] where changes to the number of H2O units present can lead to variability in structure formation often modulated through the presence of specific counter ions present. Accordingly, the subtle structural variation between Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O and Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·H2O is suspected to be due to this difference. Furthermore, controlling the degree of hydration in structure formation can be a difficult task from a synthesis perspective particularly when like counter cations are present. The application of hydrothermal conditions, which involve a heightened degree of pressure in the synthesis of Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O compared to the slow evaporation conditions used for Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·H2O [54] are suspected to lead to the increased hydration of the former structure. Further, it is noteworthy that the observed topology of the uranyl-selenate chains in Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O can be observed in the natural uranyl sulfate minerals bobcookite, NaAl(UO2)2(SO4)4·18H2O [57], and svornostite, K2Mg[(UO2)(SO4)2]2∙8H2O [58]. As observed in Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O, these minerals possess the same layer-chain configuration of [UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]2− units extending in the layer direction. A further comparison can be found in the organically templated uranyl sulfate [C2H8N]2[(UO2)(SeO4)2(H2O)] [59] regarding the occurrence of interlinking [UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]2− units. It was previously highlighted by Gurzhiy et al. [59] that such a configuration can lead to geometric isomerism occurring in the orientation of the sheets in these structures. It is noteworthy then that, through a variety of different synthesis/formation means, e.g., natural mineral formation, hydrothermal methods, or organic templating, that similar topological products can be obtained.

3.4. Structural Studies (d) (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5

(UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5 was synthesized using a slow evaporation method under conditions of high acidity via selenic acid. Attempts were made to use synthesis conditions under more neutral pH, however, only known monoselenite phases were obtained, i.e., failure to synthesize a diselenite product. (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5 was found to adopt an orthorhombic structure in space group Cmc21 where a = 28.4752(12) Å, b = 6.3410(3) Å, c = 10.8575(6) Å and V = 1960.45(16) Å3 using SC-XRD measurements. The structure consists of seven coordinate U atoms which form UO7 pentagonal bipyramid polyhedra that contain two short axial and collinear oxo U=O bonds of 1.773(11) Å consistent with the uranyl group for hexavalent U in this coordination geometry. Surrounding the uranyl group equatorially in the UO7 polyhedra are five oxygen atoms corner-sharing provided by HSeO3−, H2SeO3 and diselenite Se2O52− ligands where the bond length ranges from 2.343(10) to 2.447(9) Å (Figure 4d). This coordination motif leads to the formation of discrete rings of [(UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5]2 (Figure 4c) which combine to create the 0D structure. The rings consist of the UO7 polyhedra bridged in the [100] direction via Se2O52− ligands which have Se-O bonds lengths ranging from 1.655(11) to 1.813(13) Å that are then connected in the [001] direction via HSeO3− ligands of Se-O bond length 1.654(11) to 1.787(11) Å. The vacant positions of the UO7 polyhedra are then coordinated via H2SeO3 ligands where the bond lengths of these range from 1.646(9) to 1.754(14) Å. BVS calculations of the O positions in the H2SeO3 ligands for O(3) (Se-O(3)-H) and O(7) (Se-O(3)-H) produce respective values of 1.18 and 1.23 supporting the assignment and occurrence of O-H groups. Further BVS calculations of O(2) position for in the HSeO3− ligands produce a value of 1.07 supporting the assignment and occurrence of O-H groups. BVS values of 6.05, 3.96, 4.08, 4.05, and 4.09 were determined for the U(1), Se(1), Se(2), Se(3) and Se(4) positions supporting the occurrence of hexavalent U and tetravalent Se in the structure of (UO2)2(SeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5. Full BVS values are given in Table 5.
Besides (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5, the only reported uranyl, or indeed actinide, diselenite possessing compound was that of UO2Se2O5 [12]. UO2Se2O5 was originally synthesized using high temperature solid state methods involving excess SeO2 within a sealed tube. This is contrast to (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5 which was synthesized under slow evaporation conditions with excess acid. As previously described efforts were made to synthesis (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5 and/or diselenite variants using conditions of more moderate pH but this subsequently failed. Such an observation was consistent with the uranyl polyiodate UPI-1 where it was noted the synthesis was only possible under conditions of heighted acidity [14]. The occurrence of HSeO3− and H2SeO3 ligands in the structure of (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5 are indicative of the acidic synthesis conditions used and it is strongly suggested that they play a key role in structure formation. Extending to non-actinide variants, the occurrence of the diselenite group has also been observed in a number notable examples, including Bi3(SeO3)3(Se2O5)F, Al2(Se2O5)3, Ga2(Se2O5)3, and In2(Se2O5)3 [13,60]. These structures were found to exhibit superior SHG properties and were synthesized either using a sealed tube high temperature method (Al2(Se2O5)3, Ga2(Se2O5)3 and In2(Se2O5)3) or via a hydrothermal method involving highly acidic conditions (Bi3(SeO3)3(Se2O5)F). Another notable synthesis was that of Ca2(HSeO3)2(Se2O5) which was achieved using a slow evaporation method utilizing selenic acid [61]. Consistent with the previous deductions of this investigations, it follows that either high temperature mildly reducing or acidic conditions are necessary to drive the polymerisation of selenite units for the formation of diselenite moieties.

3.5. Synthesis and Structural Trends in Uranyl Selenites/Selenates

A comprehension study on the crystal chemistry of natural and synthetic uranyl selenites and some selenates was recently completed by Gurzhiy et al. [52]. In light of this, we will only briefly discuss the crystal chemistry of uranyl selenites and selenates in the context of the novel phases uncovered in this work and direct the reader to Gurzhiy et al. [52] for broader background information. It was highlighted by Gurzhiy et al. [52] that the structural complexity of natural vs. synthetic uranyl selenites is comparatively higher for the former case of structures. Gurzhiy et al. [52] rationalised these observations against the preference for natural-born architectures to exist rather than the synthetic counterparts. Although, as described by Frost et al. [62] in examining the natural uranyl sulfate mineral zippeite, K2[(UO2)6(SO4)3O(OH)6]·8H2O, natural conditions often involve a higher temperature gradient compared to that of the synthetic regarding compounds synthesized using hydrothermal methods. Accordingly, high temperature synthesis conditions typically result in higher symmetry structure formation, which as a method for uranyl selenite and selenate synthesis is underutilized typically due to the volatility of selenium and the associated difficulty. However, such synthesis conditions were used to synthesize, prior to this investigation, the only reported diselenite UO2Se2O5 [12] as well as notable non-actinide diselenite variants [13,60,61], as previously described. Although the mechanism for selenite polymerisation in UO2Se2O5 is not clear it is speculated to be related to the combination of high temperature and the somewhat reducing conditions of a sealed tube. Nevertheless, as highlighted and argued in this investigation, pH control can act as promoter of selenite polymerisation in the case of slow evaporation acid assisted (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5 synthesis.
The role of acidity during synthesis, as described previously, has been noted in several recent studies to act as a key determinant in controlling such chemical properties as structural motif, isomerism and also redox processes [17,18,19,20,22,23]. Nazarchuk et al. [22] described that, during the evaporation of acidic solutions, the successive reduction in pH accompanied by a loss of solution resulted in distinctive organically templated uranyl sulfate structures forming which were structural dependent and proportional to the pH at which crystallisation occurs. In the present study, initial solution pH conditions were targeted at <1, such that, at crystallisation and near complete evaporation of solution, the structures formed were at the extremity of acidity content. Similar extreme pH/acidity conditions and methodologies were utilized in the studies of variable geometric isomerism in uranyl and neptunyl nitrates [17] and also in UPI-1, the first actinide polyiodate [14]. Contrasting the systematic study of Nazarchuk et al. [22] with that of the aforementioned and present studies suggests greater control of structure formation can be obtained through more incremental pH steps and this may allow other structure derivatives to be obtained, e.g., via pH controlled addition or exclusion of acid or water units in structures.
A common feature of the present study has been the structural similarities of the uranyl selenates Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3] and Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O with that of sulfate and chromate analogues. As described, the corrugation of the layers observed in Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3] can be similarly found in Cs2[(UO2)2(CrO4)3] [19] and [pyH]2[(UO2)2(SO4)3] [22], which is suspected to be related to the unideal coordination of SeO4/CrO4/SO4 ligands in the structure leading to similar distortions observed. However, in the case of Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O, the layer-chain configuration of the [UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]2− units can be readily observed in the natural sulfate analogues of bobcookite, NaAl(UO2)2(SO4)4·18H2O [57], and svornostite, K2Mg[(UO2)(SO4)2]2∙8H2O [58]. The ability for the exchangeability of the different structural–chemical analogues arises due to the similar sizes of the selenate, sulfate, and chromate ions. Consequently, utilising synthetic techniques, such as acidic hydrothermal/slow evaporation conditions used in the present study, developed for a specific system, such as selenate, these can be readily transferred to sulfate or chromate with either similar or unexpected success in the synthesis. Naturally, variability in redox chemistry can limit transferability, e.g., the ion polymerisation process. However, other structural effects, such as degree of hydration and distortion mechanisms, can be readily examined, controlled, and contrasted against the three different systems.
In the present study and supported by observations in recent investigations [17,18,19,20,22,23], the use of low pH conditions acts as a facile path towards novel structure generation and obtaining topology architectures that would otherwise require more intricate synthesis methods, such as the use of organic templating methods. Consequently, it is suggested then, from the observations in this investigation, that the use and presence of acid during synthesis provides a facile pathway to acquiring uranyl selenite/selenate structures with functional groups or topologies that are either novel or require more intricate methods.

4. Conclusions

The novel uranyl selenites and selenates Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3], Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2], Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O, and (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5 have been synthesized using either slow evaporation or hydrothermal methods, both involving extensive acid addition, and their structures characterized using single crystal X-ray diffraction. Prior to this investigation, only one uranyl diselenite was known [12]. Accordingly, the synthesis herein of (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5 utilizing acidic conditions provides only the second such example and the first from slow evaporation synthesis. Key to this and the other novel compounds described is the application of extensive acid during synthesis, which is argued to act as a novel and facile method towards acquiring structures and topologies that would otherwise require more intricate methods such as organic templating. With the consideration of recent similar studies [14,17], this investigation points towards the pertinence of acid and pH control in the synthesis of novel uranyl selenite and selenate compositions and structures, particularly those that that may possess salient SHG properties.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, G.L.M., P.K., E.M.L., and E.V.A.; methodology, G.L.M. and E.V.A.; validation, all authors.; formal analysis, G.L.M. and E.V.A.; investigation, all authors; resources, E.V.A. and P.K.; writing—original draft preparation, G.L.M. and E.V.A.; writing—review and editing, all authors; visualization, G.L.M. and E.V.A.; supervision, G.L.M. and E.V.A.; project administration, E.V.A.; funding acquisition, E.V.A. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

The work has been supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) grant AL1527/3-1.

Data Availability Statement

The structures obtained in this investigation were deposited into the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) under the numbers 2101372, 2094250, 2094251, and 2094249 for Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3], Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O, Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2], and (UO2)2(HSeO3)(H2SeO3)2Se2O5, respectively.

Conflicts of Interest

No conflicts of interest.

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Crystals 11 00965 g001 550
Figure 1. Structural representation of orthorhombic Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3] in space group P42/ncm in (a) general representation, (b) in the [001] direction illustrating the layer configuration of the structure and also disordered O(6) oxygens, and (c) highlighting the coordination motif of UO2(SeO4)8− units. Note yellow polyhedra, green polyhedra, green spheres, yellow spheres, red spheres and blue spheres respectively represent UO7, SeO4, Se, U, O and uranyl O units/atoms respectively.
Figure 1. Structural representation of orthorhombic Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3] in space group P42/ncm in (a) general representation, (b) in the [001] direction illustrating the layer configuration of the structure and also disordered O(6) oxygens, and (c) highlighting the coordination motif of UO2(SeO4)8− units. Note yellow polyhedra, green polyhedra, green spheres, yellow spheres, red spheres and blue spheres respectively represent UO7, SeO4, Se, U, O and uranyl O units/atoms respectively.
Crystals 11 00965 g001
Crystals 11 00965 g002 550
Figure 2. Structural representation of triclinic Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2] in space group P 1 ¯ (a) general representation, (b) illustrating the layer configuration of the structure and (c) highlighting the coordination motif of UO7 and SeO3 units. Note yellow polyhedra, green polyhedra, green spheres, yellow spheres, red spheres and blue spheres respectively represent UO7, SeO3, Se, U, O and uranyl O units/atoms respectively.
Figure 2. Structural representation of triclinic Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2] in space group P 1 ¯ (a) general representation, (b) illustrating the layer configuration of the structure and (c) highlighting the coordination motif of UO7 and SeO3 units. Note yellow polyhedra, green polyhedra, green spheres, yellow spheres, red spheres and blue spheres respectively represent UO7, SeO3, Se, U, O and uranyl O units/atoms respectively.
Crystals 11 00965 g002
Crystals 11 00965 g003 550
Figure 3. Structural representation of orthorhombic Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O in space group Pmn21 (a) general representation, (b) in the [100] direction illustrating the layer configuration of the structure and (c) highlighting the coordination motif of UO7 and SeO4 units. Note yellow polyhedra, green polyhedra, green spheres, yellow spheres, red spheres, blue spheres and orange spheres respectively represent UO7, SeO3, Se, U, O, uranyl O and aqua O units/atoms respectively.
Figure 3. Structural representation of orthorhombic Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O in space group Pmn21 (a) general representation, (b) in the [100] direction illustrating the layer configuration of the structure and (c) highlighting the coordination motif of UO7 and SeO4 units. Note yellow polyhedra, green polyhedra, green spheres, yellow spheres, red spheres, blue spheres and orange spheres respectively represent UO7, SeO3, Se, U, O, uranyl O and aqua O units/atoms respectively.
Crystals 11 00965 g003
Crystals 11 00965 g004 550
Figure 4. Structural representation of orthorhombic (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5 in space group Cmc21 (a) general representation, (b) in the [010] direction (c) highlighting the coordination motif of the [(UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5]2 rings and (d) the bonding motif of the rings. Note yellow polyhedra, green polyhedra, blue polyhedra, pink polyhedra, yellow spheres, red spheres, aqua blue spheres, green spheres, blue spheres and pink spheres respectively represent UO7, HSeO3, H2SeO3, Se2O5, U, O, uranyl O, Se in HSeO3, Se in H2SeO3 and Se in Se2O5 units/atoms respectively.
Figure 4. Structural representation of orthorhombic (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5 in space group Cmc21 (a) general representation, (b) in the [010] direction (c) highlighting the coordination motif of the [(UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5]2 rings and (d) the bonding motif of the rings. Note yellow polyhedra, green polyhedra, blue polyhedra, pink polyhedra, yellow spheres, red spheres, aqua blue spheres, green spheres, blue spheres and pink spheres respectively represent UO7, HSeO3, H2SeO3, Se2O5, U, O, uranyl O, Se in HSeO3, Se in H2SeO3 and Se in Se2O5 units/atoms respectively.
Crystals 11 00965 g004
Table
Table 1. Crystallographic data for all phases reported in this work.
Table 1. Crystallographic data for all phases reported in this work.
CompoundRb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3]Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2]Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O(UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5
Formula weight2279.761210.881549.781285.82
Crystal systemTetragonalTriclinicOrthorhombicOrthorhombic
Space groupP42/ncmP 1 ¯ Pmn21Cmc21
a (Å)9.8312(4)7.0116(6)13.041(3)28.4752(12)
b (Å)9.8312(4)7.0646(6)8.579(2)6.3410(3)
c (Å)15.4924(9)8.1793(7)11.583(2)10.8575(6)
α (°)90103.318(7)9090
β (°)90105.968(7)9090
γ (°)90100.642(7)9090
Volume (Å3)1497.38(15)365.48(6)1295.9(5)1960.45(16)
Flack Parameter00-0.009(12)−0.005(14)
Z/μ (mm−1)2/35.4351/42.6392/25.6634/27.737
F(000)1952.0505.71352.02224.0
dcalcd (g cm−3)5.0565.5023.9724.357
GOF1.0231.0180.9560.859
Final R1 a [I > 2σ(I)]0.04590.06430.04810.0377
Final wR2 b [I > 2σ(I)]0.13740.17510.10450.1097
S1.0231.0180.9560.859
a R1 = ∑||Fo| -|Fc||/∑|Fo|, b wR2 = {∑w[(Fo)2 - (Fc)2]2/∑w[(Fo)2]2}½
Table
Table 2. BVS calculations for Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3].
Table 2. BVS calculations for Rb2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3].
USe(1)Se(2)Rb(1)Rb(2)Σ
O11.717 0.116 x2↓ 1.83
O20.543 1.55 2.09
O31.800 0.121 x2↓ 1.92
O40.498 x2↓ 1.430 x2↓0.053 x4↓0.058 x4↓2.04
O50.526 x2↓1.540 x4↓ 0.087 x4↓2.15
O6 1.68 0.073 x4↓0.052 x4↓1.81
Σ6.116.166.090.960.79
*Arrow corresponds to calculation direction.
Table
Table 3. BVS calculations for Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2].
Table 3. BVS calculations for Rb2[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2].
U(1)U(2)Se(1)Rb(1)Σ
O10.361 x2↓0.4731.418 2.30
O21.570 x2↓ 0.196 + 0.151 ↓1.91
O3 1.59 0.206 + 0.184 ↓1.98
O4 1.70 0.1981.90
O5 0.5291.4210.2042.154
O60.274 x2↓0.5101.4150.03902.24
O70.665 x2↓0.675 x2↓ 0.1051.44
Σ5.746.124.261.28
*Arrow corresponds to calculation direction.
Table
Table 4. BVS calculations for Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O.
Table 4. BVS calculations for Rb2[UO2(SeO4)2(H2O)]·2H2O.
USe(1)Se(2)Rb(1) Rb(2)Rb(3)Rb(4)Σ
O10.5331.404 1.94
O20.466 0.1380.60
O30.557 1.480 0.1382.175
O41.762^ 0.090 x2↓0.115 x2↓ 1.957
O5 0.0940.135 0.229
O60.582 1.429 2.011
O71.732 0.088 x2↓ 0.070 x2↓ 1.89
O8 1.5980.160 x2↓ 0.065 x2↓0.074 x2↓ 1.897
O9 1.581 0.148 x2↓ 0.101 x2↓1.83
O10 1.627 0.150 x2↓0.109 x2↓ 1.886
O110.5531.563 0.050 x2↓ 2.011
O12 1.590 0.080 x2↓1.67
O13 0.095 0.0500.145
O14 0.010 0.1850.20
O15 0.105 0.1140.219
Σ6.196.176.091.00 0.800.970.99
*Arrow corresponds to calculation direction.
Table
Table 5. BVS calculations for (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5.
Table 5. BVS calculations for (UO2)2(HSeO3)2(H2SeO3)2Se2O5.
USe(1)Se(2)Se(3)Se(4)Σ
O11.688 1.70
O2 1.066 1.07
O3 1.167 1.18
O40.4551.560 2.02
O50.550 1.453 2.00
O61.705 1.71
O7 1.230 1.23
O8 1.03 0.9942.02
O90.557 1.547 x2↓2.10
O100.537 1.53 x2↓ 2.07
O110.561 1.527 2.09
Σ6.053.964.084.054.09
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Murphy, G.L.; Kegler, P.; Langer, E.M.; Alekseev, E.V. The Role of Acidity in the Synthesis of Novel Uranyl Selenate and Selenite Compounds and Their Structures. Crystals 2021, 11, 965. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst11080965

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Murphy GL, Kegler P, Langer EM, Alekseev EV. The Role of Acidity in the Synthesis of Novel Uranyl Selenate and Selenite Compounds and Their Structures. Crystals. 2021; 11(8):965. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst11080965

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Murphy, Gabriel L., Philip Kegler, Eike M. Langer, and Evgeny V. Alekseev. 2021. "The Role of Acidity in the Synthesis of Novel Uranyl Selenate and Selenite Compounds and Their Structures" Crystals 11, no. 8: 965. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst11080965

APA Style

Murphy, G. L., Kegler, P., Langer, E. M., & Alekseev, E. V. (2021). The Role of Acidity in the Synthesis of Novel Uranyl Selenate and Selenite Compounds and Their Structures. Crystals, 11(8), 965. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst11080965

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