A Linear trans-Bis(imido) Neptunium(V) Actinyl Analog: NpV(NDipp)2(tBu2bipy)2Cl (Dipp = 2,6-iPr2C6H3)

The discovery that imido analogs of actinyl dioxo cations can be extended beyond uranium into the transuranic elements is presented. Synthesis of the Np(V) complex, Np(NDipp)2(tBu2bipy)2Cl (1), is achieved through treatment of a Np(IV) precursor with a bipyridine coligand and lithium-amide reagent. Complex 1 has been structurally characterized, analyzed by 1H NMR and UV–vis−NIR spectroscopies, and the electronic structure evaluated by DFT calculations.