Comparison of the structural, electrochemical, and spectroscopic properties of two cryptates of trivalent uranium.

We describe a study of the influence of cryptand denticity on the structural, electronic, and electrochemical properties of U III -containing cryptates. Two cryptands (2.2.2 and 2.2.1) are reported. The cryptand with the smaller denticity leads to negative electrochemical potentials and shorter bond lengths that are consistent with a better fit for U III than the larger cryptand. These studies provide insight into the rational design of cryptand-based ligands for trivalent uranium.