Schiff-base coordination complexes with plutonium( iv ) and cerium( iv )

PuL2 and CeL2 (L = N,N′-bis[(4,4′-diethylamino)salicylidene]-1,2-phenylenediamine) have been synthesized, and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, UV/vis/NIR spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. These studies reveal the enhanced stabilization of Pu(IV) versus Ce(IV) with this Schiff base, and quasi-reversible redox behaviour only with the plutonium complex.