The Synthesis and Reactivity of Some Mixed-Ligand Peroxo Complexes of Zirconium(IV) and Thorium(IV)

Abstract

Some new mixed-ligand peroxo complexes of zirconium(IV) and thorium(IV) with organic dibasic acids and heterocyclic amines have been prepared. The complexes have the composition [M(O₂)(acid).L], where M=Zr(IV) or Th(IV); acid = dianion of diphenic acid (da) or homophthalic acid (hp); L=2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen). The Zr(IV) complexes did not oxidize allyl alcohol, but oxidized triphenyl-phosphine and triphenylarsine to their oxides. The Th(IV) complexes were found to oxidize allyl alcohol and triphenyl-phosphine as well as triphenylarisine to their respective oxides.