Chemistry of the trivalent actinides. Part III. Some chemical and physical properties of hydrated uranium(III) fluoride and the anhydrous chloride, bromide, and iodide. The stability of uranium(III) in aqueous solution and in organic solvents

Abstract

The halides UX₃(X = Cl, Br, or I) have been prepared and their electronic spectra measured at room and liquid nitrogen temperatures. The interactions of the halides with a large number of organic solvents are given. Hydrated uranium(III) fluoride, UF₃,H₂O, and a carbonate and hydroxide of uncertain compositions have been recognised. The extreme reactivity of uranium(III) to most anions and organic solvents in which it is soluble severely limits the chemistry of this oxidation state even if oxygen is rigorously excluded.