Five
novel tetravalent thorium (Th) compounds that consist of Th(H2O)
x
Cl
y
structural units were isolated from acidic aqueous solutions using
a series of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic hydrogen (H) bond donors.
Taken together with three previously reported phases, the compounds
provide a series of monomeric ThIV complexes wherein the
effects of noncovalent interactions (and H-bond donor identity) on
Th structural chemistry can be examined. Seven distinct structural
units of the general formulas [Th(H2O)
x
Cl8–x
]
x−4 (x = 2, 4) and [Th(H2O)
x
Cl9–x
]
x−5 (x = 5–7) are described. The complexes range from chloride-deficient
[Th(H2O)7Cl2]2+ to chloride-rich
[Th(H2O)2Cl6]2– species, and theory was used to understand the relative energies
that separate complexes within this series via the stepwise chloride
addition to an aquated Th cation. Electronic structure theory predicted
the reaction energies of chloride addition and release of water through
a series of transformations, generally highlighting an energetic driving
force for chloride complexation. To probe the role of the counterion
in the stabilization of these complexes, electrostatic potential (ESP)
surfaces were calculated. The ESP surfaces indicated a dependence
of the chloride distribution about the Th metal center on the pK
a of the countercation, highlighting the directing
effects of noncovalent interactions (e.g., Hbonding) on Th speciation.