Seven-coordinated chiral uranyl(VI) salen complex as effective catalyst for C-H bond activation of dialkylanilines under visible light

A new chiral uranyl(VI) complex incorporating a tetradentate salen ligand is reported. The synthesized uranyl complex is studied by microanalyses, spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction studies. The structural studies reveal a slightly distorted pentagonal bipyramid coordination environment around uranyl ion. Interestingly, the uranyl complex was found to be potential visible light active catalyst for C-H bond functionalization of dialkylanilines, and afforded moderate to excellent yield of corresponding alpha-aminonitriles when exposed to visible light for 8 h in the presence of NaCN and acetic acid as cyanide source, and H2O2 as oxidant. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.