An investigation of the electronic structure of bis(η-cyclo-octatetraene)-actinoids by helium-(I) and -(II) photoelectron spetroscopy
Abstract
The He(I) and He(II) photoelectron spectra of [M(η-C8H8)2](M = Th and U) have been recorded. Ionization of 5f electrons is identified and their relative cross-section is shown to increase when the ionizing radiation is changed from He(I) to He(II). The bonding in these molecules is discussed and it is proposed that the major stabilizing interaction is between the ring e2(π) and the metal 6d orbitals. Significant f-orbital covalency is also demonstrated.