Some complex compounds of thorium(IV)

Abstract

Thorium(IV) can undergo different types of reactions with solutions of electron-donors in organic solvents: complex formation, solvolysis, and salt formation. Complexes are formed with 1,10-phenanthroline, triphenylphosphine oxide, and diphenyl sulphoxide, but not with triphenylphosphine, triphenylphosphine sulphide, diphenyl sulphide, or diphenyl sulphone. Solvolysis of thorium(IV) chloride and bromide by ethanol gives ethoxytrihalogenothorium(IV) complexes with 1,10-phenanthroline and triphenylphosphine oxide. Phenanthrolinium and phosphonium hexachloro- and -nitrato-thorates(IV) are obtained from reactions in the presence of an excess of acid.